F-16C/D Block 70s approved by US State Department to address Peruvian fighter requirement

The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Peru of 10 F-16C Block 70 and two F-16D Block 70 fighters, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 15 September 2025.

The potential sale package, worth USD 3.42 billion (EUR 2.89 billion), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval. However, Peru could yet decide on a different solution for its fighter replacement programme, with the Saab Gripen E/F, which is operated and licence-manufactured in neighbouring Brazil, being an alternative option. The Dassault Rafale F4 and Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 have also been mentioned as potential contenders for the requirement.

As well as the 12 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70s, the FMS package approved for Peru includes 14 F110-GE-129 engines (12 installed, two spares); 14 AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned-array Scalable Agile Beam Radars (12 installed, two spares); and a range of avionics and mission systems, including AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield or equivalent electronic warfare systems; AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pods and AN/ALE-47 airborne countermeasures dispenser systems. Weapons included as part of the deal include 12 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs); 52 LAU-129 guided missile launchers (48 installed, four spares); 12 M61A1 20 mm cannons, and 12 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles.

The DSCA stated that the proposed FMS “will enhance the Peruvian Air Force’s ability to control its sovereign airspace, defend its territorial borders, and conduct precision air-to-ground attack operations in support of ground forces in counter-narcotics and counterterrorism operations”, adding that the sale “will also enhance Peru’s military partnership with the United States on an enduring long-term basis”.

The Peruvian Air Force’s current combat air fleet consists large of around 20 Cessna A-37 Dragonfly light attack aircraft: a type that dates back to the Vietnam War. Also in the Peruvian inventory are six MiG-29 fighters, nine Dassault Mirage 2000P fighters and a couple of Su-25 ‘Frogfoot’ ground attack aircraft.