U.S. Approves $3.42 Billion Sale of F-16 Jets to Peru to Boost Air Power

The U.S. State Department has approved a landmark $3.42 billion defense deal with Peru, clearing the way for the sale of advanced F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and a wide-ranging support package. This move underscores Washington’s commitment to strengthening defense partnerships in Latin America, while offering Peru a significant upgrade in air combat and surveillance capabilities.

Under the approved sale, Peru will receive 10 F-16C Block 70 and 2 F-16D Block 70 jets. These aircraft represent the latest generation of the F-16 family, featuring cutting-edge avionics, improved radar, enhanced survivability, and next-generation weapons integration.

Comprehensive Weapons & Systems Package

The deal is far more than just aircraft. It includes a host of high-tech systems and weapons designed to boost Peru’s defense posture:

• 12 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles for beyond-visual-range combat.

• 48 LAU-129 guided missile launchers, plus spares.

• 12 M61A1 20mm cannons, strengthening close-combat capability.

• A request for 12 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, tactical guidance units, and training rounds.

• 14 F110-GE-129 engines, ensuring power and redundancy.

• 14 AN/APG-83 AESA radars, providing advanced target detection and tracking.

• Litening targeting pods, infrared search-and-track sensors, missile warning systems, and electronic warfare suites.

Together, these systems will enable Peru to conduct precision air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, while also supporting critical missions against drug trafficking networks and terrorist threats within its borders.

Strategic Importance

The Peruvian Air Force has long relied on older fleets, including Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s, many of which face modernization challenges. The new F-16 Block 70s will allow Peru to better secure its airspace, protect sovereign borders, and integrate more closely with U.S. and allied defense systems.

Officials note that the acquisition directly supports Peru’s counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism campaigns, especially in the Andean region where insurgent remnants and drug traffickers remain active. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) emphasized that the sale will also advance U.S.-Peru defense cooperation, fostering interoperability and long-term partnership.

Industrial & Contractor Involvement

Key defense industry leaders will play central roles in this program:

• Lockheed Martin – primary contractor for the F-16 aircraft.

• General Electric Aerospace – supplier of the F110 engines.

• RTX (Raytheon Technologies) – responsible for missile and radar systems.

This deal will also include extensive training, logistics, spare parts, and maintenance support, ensuring Peru can sustain its new fleet effectively.

A Strategic Leap Forward

For Peru, this represents one of the most significant military acquisitions in recent decades. Beyond enhancing deterrence and defense, it signals a closer alignment with U.S. security frameworks in South America. For Washington, the sale reflects a clear intent to reinforce regional stability while countering illicit networks that threaten both local and international security.