Argentina-China deal over FC-1 Xiaolong won't include anti-ship missiles

Beijing is not likely to provide Buenos Aires with anti-ship missiles as part of a deal whereby Argentina will purchase FC-1 Xiaolong multirole fighters from China, as Beijing does not want to upset the UK, according to Military Parade based in Moscow on April 22.

Earlier reports suggested that Argentina was looking to purchase between 12 and 24 FC-1 or J-10 fighters from China. Eventually, Argentina chose to purchase the Xiaolong because the country's air force concluded that Block 2, the upgraded version of the FC-1 is more suitable to the nation's combat environment than other aircraft on offer.

The magazine said that an aerial refueling system may be installed in the design of the aircraft for the Argentine Air Force.

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