During 1995 and 1996, the ability to operate fixed-wing aircraft was restored to "Minas Gerais", after the catapult from the decommissioned "Veinticinco de Mayo" was acquired and installed. In 1997, "Minas Gerais" was loaned an A-4Q airframe by the Argentine "Aviación Naval" (Naval Aviation) for deck-handling and interface trials. This was in lead-up to the 1999 acquisition of 20 A-4KU Skyhawks and three TA-4KU trainer aircraft from the Kuwait Air Force for US$70 million. This was the first time since the carrier's commissioning that "Força Aeronaval da Marinha" (Brazilian Navy Aviation) had been permitted to own and operate fixed-wing aircraft. The 23 aircraft were formed as the First Intercept and Attack Squadron, had all entered service by early 2000, and began carrier operations in late October 2000. In order to operate the new fighters, "Minas Gerais" underwent a major refit at the Arsenal de Marinha do Rio de Janeiro. The main purpose of this refit was to upgrade the catapult to launch Skyhawks.