The Government of Peru has announced the purchase of 12 new F-16 Block 70 multirole fighters from Lockheed Martin to modernize its air force fleet, the decision made public on April 23.
The selection of the F-16 follows months of deliberations by Peru's interim administration, which weighed offers from Saab and Dassault. The F-16 Block 70 was widely considered the frontrunner, with the order intended to address operational needs and enhance air sovereignty.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated: "Peru's choice of the F-16 underscores the aircraft's unmatched operational performance and combat record, as well as its ability to meet the most pressing defense requirements."
The current Peruvian Air Force inventory consists primarily of aging Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighters, both of which have faced sustainment and capability challenges in recent years.
Lockheed Martin will manufacture the aircraft at its Greenville, South Carolina facility. Peru's entry into the F-16 user community brings the total number of operating nations to 30, with over 2,800 F-16s currently in service worldwide.
The confirmation ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding the deal after interim President Jose Maria Balcazar abruptly postponed the signing ceremony for the first 12 aircraft earlier this month, arguing that Peru’s next administration should be involved in such a large financial commitment.
The delay triggered political fallout in Lima. Defense Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned after opposing Balcazar’s decision, while U.S. ambassador to Peru Bernie Navarro publicly criticized the postponement, warning that delays could increase costs and disrupt the package originally negotiated with Washington.
