A-4AR Fightinghawk

The A‑4AR Fightinghawk is a modernized version of the classic Douglas A‑4 Skyhawk, rebuilt in the mid‑1990s by Lockheed Martin for the Argentine Air Force. After the end of the Falklands conflict, Argentina sought to extend the service life of its aging fleet of A‑4Ms; Lockheed Martin delivered 40 aircraft that received a comprehensive avionics suite, a new head‑up display, hands‑on‑throttle‑and‑stick controls, and an upgraded AN/APG‑66 radar compatible with contemporary air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground munitions. The powerplant remains the reliable Pratt & Whitney J52‑P‑408A, but the airframe was reinforced and equipped with improved hydraulic and electrical systems, allowing the Fightinghawk to conduct precision strike, close air support, and limited air‑defence missions. Its capability to carry modern guided weapons such as the AGM‑65 Maverick and GBU‑12 laser‑guided bomb brought a 1970s design into the 21st‑century battlefield. The A‑4AR demonstrates the strategic value of cost‑effective upgrades, preserving a proven platform while delivering enhanced survivability and mission flexibility. It remains a cornerstone of Argentina’s tactical jet training and operational readiness, underscoring the lasting influence of the Skyhawk lineage in global aviation. In recent years the aircraft has participated in multinational air‑show displays and joint training exercises, showcasing its continued relevance alongside newer fighters.

Lockheed Martin

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification