US approves $3.4 billion F-16 fighter jet sale to Peru 

The United States has struck a potentially significant military deal with Peru, approving a $3.42 billion sale of advanced F-16 Fighting Falcon single- and dual-seat jets plus a support package of weapons and spare parts aimed at modernizing the South American nation’s air force. 

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Peru requested the purchase of 10 F-16C Block 70 fighters and two F-16D Block 70 dual-seat variants. The deal also includes weapons, spare parts, training systems, and technical assistance.   Officials say the package is designed to give the Peruvian Air Force new capabilities to patrol its airspace, defend territorial borders, and carry out precision strike missions in support of counterterrorism and counter-narcotics operations. 

The DSCA emphasized that the sale would also deepen U.S.-Peru defense cooperation, reinforcing a longstanding security relationship. Washington has framed the deal as part of its broader effort to strengthen alliances across Latin America, particularly with nations confronting transnational threats such as drug trafficking and insurgent activity. 

While the transaction has received State Department approval, it must still clear congressional review before it can proceed. 

The proposed fleet of 12 F-16 Block 70 jets represents the most modern iteration of the long-serving fighter. The Block 70 incorporates advanced avionics, extended service life, and the AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which delivers greater situational awareness and targeting precision. These features would place Peru among the more capable air forces in the region. 

To complement the aircraft, the package includes a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. Peru has requested 12 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), which would provide beyond-visual-range engagement capability, along with 12 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles for short-range combat. The order also covers training versions of these missiles, including Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) and tactical guidance units. 

According to the US State Department, each jet will be outfitted with an M61A1 20mm Vulcan cannon, a standard internal gun system for the F-16. The package further provides 48 LAU-129 guided missile launchers, with four spares, to integrate the requested weapons. 

Peru’s request is not limited to aircraft and weapons, according to US officials. It includes a comprehensive suite of systems to ensure the jets are fully mission-capable. Among them are 14 F110-GE-129 engines from General Electric Aerospace, with 12 installed and two retained as spares, along with Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems and Improved Programmable Display Generators. 

The aircraft will feature modular mission computers, secure communication systems, infrared search and track sensors, electronic warfare suites, Litening targeting pods, and advanced friend-or-foe identification systems. The deal also includes Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System II displays, allowing pilots to cue weapons and sensors simply by looking at a target. 

Support equipment such as radios, cryptographic devices, night-vision gear, ammunition, countermeasures, test sets, and mission planning tools are also part of the package, according to the DSCA announcement. Logistics support, training assistance, and program management will help ensure Peru can sustain the fleet over the long term. 

If finalized, the primary contractors for the deal will be Lockheed Martin, which produces the F-16, General Electric Aerospace for engines, and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) for various avionics and weapons.  

For Peru, the acquisition of F-16s would mark a major step in upgrading its air force. The country currently operates a mix of older fighter types, including Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s, which are facing growing obsolescence challenges. Introducing the F-16 Block 70 would align Peru more closely with U.S. and NATO standards, potentially improving interoperability in multinational operations. The post US approves $3.4 billion F-16 fighter jet sale to Peru  appeared first on AeroTime.

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