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Mendoza and San Rafael Seal Deal to Reinforce Anti-Hail Flights for 2025–26

The pact gives San Rafael operational control, with the province supplying aircraft, munitions and radar support.

Overview

  • Under the season-long agreement, the province will provide three aircraft—two to fly and one for support—plus flares, cartridges, radar services and mechanical assistance.
  • The municipality of San Rafael will direct takeoffs and intervention timing in coordination with the provincial system.
  • Provincial officials said flares and cartridges are already in San Rafael, and local business leaders expect the planes to arrive this week after delays between southern municipalities.
  • Funding for pilots and fuel will be covered locally, with 70% from San Rafael and 30% from General Alvear via a charge on electricity bills.
  • The arrangement renews aircraft use in the South after last season’s pause and complements the broader anti-hail program of cloud seeding, hail netting credits and producer compensation.