Peru: Lockheed Martin Confirms Purchase of 12 F-16 Aircraft
Lockheed Martin has confirmed the sale of 12 F-16 fighter jets to Peru, following the payment of the first installment of $462 million.
The company welcomed the announcement by the Peruvian government regarding the purchase of F-16 Block 70 aircraft, intended to modernize the country's fighter fleet, according to Lockheed Martin Vice President Mike Shoemaker.
This move comes after the resignation of Peru's Foreign and Defense Ministers, who disagreed with interim President JosĂ© MarĂa Balcázar regarding the procurement process. The ministers insisted that the contract had already been signed and should be honored.
The US Ambassador in Lima, Bernardo Navarro, stated that the agreement was signed with the full knowledge of the Peruvian government. Outgoing Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela warned of the consequences of any delay in the agreement.
According to Ambassador Navarro, the Peruvian Air Force will proceed with the purchase of an additional 12 fighter jets.
In October 2024, Peru announced an international tender for the modernization of its air force fleet, with a budget of $3.5 billion.
The Peruvian Air Force currently uses older technology fighters, such as Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Su-25.
The political crisis in Peru is taking place amidst preparations for the second round of presidential elections.