Peru Plans to Purchase 12 F-16 Block 70 Fighter Jets

Peru is planning to purchase a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. The Peruvian Air Force’s rearmament program calls for the acquisition of a total of 24 fighter jets.

This was reported by Infodefensa, citing a statement by Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa.

According to the minister, the previous interim government did not leave any funds, so the new administration needs some time to ensure the signing of the second contract.

The minister confirmed that the Peruvian Air Force needs to acquire 24 fighter jets to ensure a minimum deterrence capability. Therefore, in his opinion, even despite financial difficulties, it makes no sense to limit the procurement to an initial batch of 12 aircraft.

“My task is to do everything possible, everything in my power, to meet the needs of the Armed Forces,” he said.

The Peruvian Air Force and Lockheed Martin signed a contract for the purchase of the first batch of F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets in April 2026.

Prior to this, Lockheed Martin reduced the price of the fighter jets offered to Peru to stay within the budget set by the country’s government. While the initial proposal called for the sale of 12 F-16C/D Block 70s for $3.42 billion, the new proposal includes 24 aircraft of the same model for $3.5 billion.

French company Dassault Aviation, with its Rafale F4, and Swedish company Saab, with its Gripen E/F, also participated in the selection process for Peru’s new fighter jets. It is likely that this significant price reduction was the reason Peru chose the F-16 over the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen, which had won the tender.