Peru has received US government approval for the possible acquisition of 12 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70 fighters.
The potential Foreign Military Sales deal is valued at $3.42 billion and includes 10 single-seat F-16Cs and a pair of two-seat F-16Ds, according to the US government’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
In addition, the package includes 14 GE Aerospace F110 engines, 14 Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array radars, as well as a range of other equipment, weapons, and support for the deal.
“The proposed sale 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,” says the DSCA.
“The sale will also enhance Peru’s military partnership with the United States on an enduring long-term basis. Peru will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
Other types in contention for the Peruvian fighter requirement are the Dassault Aviation Rafale F4, and the Saab Gripen E/F. The Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 Boramae fighter may also be considered by Lima.
The overall requirement is understood to be up to 24 new fighters. The Peruvian air force currently operates a mix of aged tactical jets, including the RAC MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-25, Dassault Mirage 2000P and Cessna A-37.
In addition to clearing the possible Peruvian F-16 deal, the US Department of State has also approved possible munitions sales to Belgium and Norway.
Belgium has been cleared to buy up to 320 Raytheon AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missiles in a potential $568 million deal. The weapons will equip its Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters.
Norway has been cleared for the possible acquisition of up to 816 Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment 1 weapons, valued at around $113 million.
