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Peru Selects Lockheed Martin F-16s for Fleet Upgrade
Lockheed Martin stated it has secured a deal to sell 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Peru, highlighting the jet's performance. However, Peru's interim president indicated the deal is on hold, while the US Embassy in Lima insists part of it has been signed. Senior officials in Lima remain at odds over the agreement's status.
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Lockheed Martin announced that the Government of Peru has chosen to purchase new F-16 Block 70 aircraft, according to a press release issued on Thursday. The company welcomed the decision as a step to modernize Peru's fighter fleet and strengthen its national defense capabilities. Senior officials in Lima are at odds over the fate of the fighter jet deal with Lockheed Martin.
Peru’s interim president indicated the fighter jet deal was on hold. In contrast, the US Embassy in Lima insists at least part of the fighter jet deal has already been signed. An account of machinations over the last several days regarding the fighter jet deal comes from the US Embassy in Lima.
Breaking Defense reported that Lockheed Martin claimed victory in a competition to sell fighter jets to Peru. Several major international defense firms, including Saab, Korea Aerospace Industries, and Dassault, in addition to Lockheed, offered fighter jets to Peru. Peru has sought to upgrade its current fleet of Dassault Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighters for years.
In early March the interim president signed a decree designating the project a “military secret,” limiting public information about government negotiations.
