The aircraft will be produced at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Peru will become the 30th nation to operate the F-16, joining a global fleet of more than 2,800 aircraft currently in service.
The F-16 Block 70 is the newest version of the fighter platform. Lockheed Martin said the aircraft offers advanced radar, weapons systems and enhanced pilot awareness.
The company said the aircraft also provides a longer service life and lower lifecycle costs compared with other fighters currently in production. The platform is designed to support interoperability and long-term operational readiness.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, said: “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.”
He added: “We are proud that the most advanced F-16 ever produced will help protect Peru’s national sovereignty while strengthening the enduring partnership between our nations.”
Lockheed Martin said the acquisition represents a major step in the transformation of the Peruvian Air Force. The company said the programme also reinforces long-standing defence ties between Peru and the United States.
Shoemaker said industrial cooperation will be another component of the programme. “Cooperation between U.S. and allied defense industrial bases has always been a shared source of security and economic benefit,” he said.
“These ties will continue to strengthen with Peru through the F-16 Block 70 program, fostering economic growth for all partners,” Shoemaker added.
The acquisition follows Peru’s broader effort to modernize its air combat fleet. The new aircraft are expected to strengthen the country’s air sovereignty and regional defence capabilities.
