Manufacturer catalog

FAdeA

FAdeA is Argentina's state-owned aircraft manufacturer in Córdoba, formally Fábrica Argentina de Aviones Brig. San Martín S.A. Its public defense portfolio centers on the IA-63 Pampa III Block II advanced trainer/light-attack aircraft, IA-100 training aircraft, parachute systems, aerostructure production, military and commercial MRO, and engineering services.

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The company traces its institutional lineage to the Military Aircraft Factory founded in Córdoba on 10 October 1927. FAdeA's own history describes the site as Latin America's first military-aircraft factory and highlights original Argentine aircraft such as the Pulqui jet line, the IA-58 Pucará, and the IA-63 Pampa.

The modern FAdeA name dates from 2009, when the Argentine National State acquired the former Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina operation and renamed the factory Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brig. San Martín” S.A. Current public material presents the company as a national aerospace production, modernization, maintenance, and engineering center rather than only a legacy airframe plant.

advanced jet trainers and light-attack aircraftmilitary aircraft modernizationaerostructures and manufacturingmilitary and commercial MROtraining aircraft and parachute systems

Notable Systems

IA-63 Pampa, Advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

IA-63 Pampa

Advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft

FAdeA identifies the IA-63 Pampa III Block II as a current portfolio aircraft for military pilot training and transition to modern tactical environments; Argentina's defense ministry identifies delivered Pampa III Block II aircraft as manufactured at FAdeA.

Sources: FAdeA Products, Argentina Pampa III and Pucara Fenix modernization
IA-58 Pucará Fénix, Modernized twin-turboprop ISR and patrol aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

IA-58 Pucará Fénix

Modernized twin-turboprop ISR and patrol aircraft

The Pucará Fénix is FAdeA's modernization path for IA-58 airframes, covering remotorization, cockpit and avionics updates, navigation and communications systems, air conditioning, and obsolescence removal.

Sources: FAdeA Pampa III and Pucara Fenix event, Argentina Pampa III and Pucara Fenix modernization, Army Recognition Pucara Fenix certification

Manufacturer History

  1. Military Aircraft Factory founded in Córdoba

    FAdeA states that the Military Aircraft Factory in Córdoba was founded on 10 October 1927 by engineer Francisco de Arteaga and became Latin America's first facility of its kind.

    Sources: FAdeA Our History

  2. IA-63 Pampa inaugural flight

    FAdeA's history page states that the IA-63 Pampa advanced trainer made its inaugural flight in 1984 and continues to be produced in a modernized version.

    Sources: FAdeA Our History

  3. Argentine state acquisition and FAdeA name

    FAdeA states that in 2009 the Argentine National State acquired the shares from Lockheed Martin and renamed the factory Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brig. San Martín” S.A.

    Sources: FAdeA Our History

  4. Pampa III Block II delivery and Pucará Fénix modernization event

    FAdeA and Argentina's defense ministry reported a Pampa III Block II delivery, Pucará Fénix cockpit modernization presentation, and added wing-structure work for serial remotorization.

    Sources: FAdeA Pampa III and Pucara Fenix event, Argentina Pampa III and Pucara Fenix modernization

Predecessors
Fábrica Militar de AvionesLockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina
Website links
Official websiteCompany historyProducts2022 management report

FAdeA combines a 1927 Córdoba aircraft-factory lineage with a 2009 state-owned company structure. System-specific pages should distinguish original FMA production history from later FAdeA production, modernization, maintenance, or aerostructure work.

Manufacturer Sources

  • FAdeA Our HistoryPublisher: FAdeA S.A. | Note: Supports FAdeA's institutional history, 1927 founding lineage, IA-58 Pucará and IA-63 Pampa background, 1995-2009 Lockheed Martin concession period, 2009 Argentine state acquisition, current name, and Córdoba address. | Accessed: 2026-07-11
  • FAdeA ProductsPublisher: FAdeA S.A. | Note: Supports current portfolio focus, including IA-63 Pampa III Block II, IA-100, parachute systems, defense training, operational capability, and logistical support. | Accessed: 2026-07-11
  • FAdeA Pampa III and Pucara Fenix eventPublisher: FAdeA S.A. | Note: Supports the May 2023 Pampa III Block II delivery, Pucará Fénix cockpit modernization presentation, serial remotorization component agreement, and unmanned-aircraft development contract context. | Accessed: 2026-07-11
  • Argentina Pampa III and Pucara Fenix modernizationPublisher: Argentina.gob.ar / Ministerio de Defensa | Note: Supports the Pampa III Block II manufactured-at-FAdeA delivery, Pucará Fénix cockpit modernization, remotorization, avionics, navigation and communication updates, and expanded component purchase. | Accessed: 2026-07-11
  • FAdeA 2022 Management ReportPublisher: FAdeA S.A. | Note: Supports the company's aircraft design, manufacturing, modernization, maintenance, aerostructure, IA-63 Pampa III, IA-100, and C-390 program context. | Accessed: 2026-07-11
  • Army Recognition Pucara Fenix certificationPublisher: Army Recognition | Note: Supports the Pucará Fénix remotorization certification, FAdeA collaboration, Pratt & Whitney PT6A-62 engines, Hartzell four-blade propellers, and ISR-role modernization context. | Accessed: 2026-07-11

Produced weapons

Category

Aircraft & UAVs

Crewed aircraft, drones, and loitering munitions.

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IA-63 Pampa, Advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs2015 Various ConflictsIA-63 PampaAdvanced jet trainer and light attack aircraftBuilt in: ArgentinaThe IA-63 Pampa is an Argentine tandem-seat jet trainer and light attack aircraft built by FAdeA in Córdoba for advanced pilot training, tactical instruction, and domestic airspace-control duties. Design work began in 1979 with Dornier cooperation, the prototype made its first official flight on 10 October 1984, and the modern Pampa III Block II adds virtual training, data-link communications, updated avionics, and five optional hardpoints.
IA-58 Pucará Fénix, Modernized twin-turboprop ISR and patrol aircraft, Aircraft & UAVsIA-58 Pucará FénixModernized twin-turboprop ISR and patrol aircraftBuilt in: ArgentinaThe IA-58 Pucará Fénix is FAdeA's modernization path for Argentina's IA-58 Pucará airframes, shifting the former light-attack aircraft toward border surveillance, patrol, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance work. Public sources describe remotorization with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprops, Hartzell four-blade propellers, cockpit and avionics updates, navigation and communication improvements, air conditioning, and obsolescence removal. Official 2023 material described one prototype and three series aircraft, later expanded to components for five series aircraft, while FAdeA reported that the remotorization certificate would allow series-aircraft work to begin.