The procurement follows a competitive process that also included Sweden’s Gripen E/F and France’s Rafale fighter aircraft. Peru ultimately selected the U.S.-built platform as its future multirole combat aircraft.
The total value of the deal is estimated at $2 billion, according to Peru’s 2025 budget documents. Of that amount, $1.54 billion will be used for the direct purchase of 12 aircraft from Lockheed Martin.
The order includes 10 single-seat F-16C and two dual-seat F-16D aircraft. These fighters will be equipped with F110-GE-129 engines and AN/APG-83 AESA radars.
The aircraft will also feature advanced mission computers and AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pods. In addition, they will be fitted with AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield electronic warfare systems.
The remaining $460 million will be allocated through the Foreign Military Sales program. This portion covers ground support equipment, spare parts, logistics support, training services, documentation and a flight simulator.
The package also includes a limited number of air-to-air weapons. Additionally, the contract includes the delivery of a used Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft valued at approximately $40–50 million.
The new F-16 Block 70 fighters are expected to begin entering service in 2029. They will replace Peru’s aging MiG-29 fleet and become the most advanced F-16 aircraft in Latin America.
Peru is also planning a second phase of procurement to acquire an additional 12 F-16 aircraft. These are intended to replace the country’s Dassault Mirage 2000 fighters.
Funding of $1.5 billion has been allocated in the 2026 national budget for the follow-on purchase. The acquisition reflects a broader effort to modernize Peru’s air combat capabilities and align with Western systems.
