Argentine Air Force seeks runway sweeping mats ahead of F-16 Fighting Falcon arrival

The Argentine Air Force has launched a private tender to purchase runway sweeping mats for aerodrome cleaning. This procurement is unsurprising, as it is linked to the imminent arrival of the new F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets. Operating these aircraft requires a range of safeguards, including the prevention of foreign object damage (FOD).

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Argentine Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon FOD prevention

The technical specifications show that the Argentine Air Force intends to procure six single RZR-8 sweeping mat systems, six DPLX-1 double systems and 18 maintenance kits. While this may appear to be a minor purchase at first glance, the greater focus on FOD is one of many measures the Air Force will need to adopt with the arrival of the F-16 fighter jets, as it has not been a routine practice.

Sweeping mats such as the RZR-8 and DPLX-1 were designed to rapidly collect debris. Lightweight in construction, these friction sweepers provide an effective, efficient and easily deployed means of preventing FOD affecting military aircraft. They can be attached to vehicles, including pick-up trucks and ultralight vehicles, enabling them to cover the large areas of flight aprons and runways.

FOD control measures on airfields

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FOD is not treated lightly; the United States Air Force provides a clear example of the strict regulations it continues to enforce. For instance, the guidelines established by the 354th Fighter Wing in 2024 state: “...All personnel shall implement and enforce the ‘Continuous Cleanliness’ concept while carrying out their official duties on the flight line. It is also the responsibility of all personnel to apply foreign object damage (FOD) prevention techniques while performing flight line duties. Any unit required to drive or work on the flight line will establish and maintain an effective FOD prevention programme...”

The document adds: “...The high cost of equipment damage and injuries to USAF personnel requires all commanders and supervisors to strictly comply with foreign object damage (FOD) prevention directives. Removing foreign objects (FO) is the first step in preventing FOD...”

Preventive practices to avoid FOD range from strict controls on vehicles entering the flight line to vigilance by all personnel accessing the apron and aircraft, as well as every type of inspection and the familiar FOD Walks. The latter involves a “shoulder-to-shoulder” walk to search for foreign objects, normally carried out hours before the first departure in parking areas, hangar spaces and adjoining taxiways.

The introduction of F-16 fighter jets into the Argentine Air Force will not only mean restoring and incorporating capabilities; it will also require a profound shift in the institution's organisational culture. This extends from important doctrinal matters to issues that may seem minor but could ground an aircraft in which tens of millions of dollars have been invested, as is the case with FOD.

Illustrative cover image. Credit: US ANG – Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier