Peru plans to announce a $7 billion deal for 24 F-16 Block 70 fighters, doubling the initial order and dropping the Saab Gripen proposal. The package includes designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, granting preferential access to U.S. weaponry and financing.
New President José María Balcázar selected the F-16s last week during an interview, confirming the shift after political changes. This surpasses the September 2025 U.S. State Department approval for 12 aircraft—10 F-16C and 2 F-16D—at $3.42 billion.
The expanded order features F110-GE-129 engines, AN/APG-83 radars, AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, AIM-9X Sidewinders, and advanced systems like Viper Shield electronic warfare and Litening pods. Logistics, training, and support equipment round out the deal from Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, and RTX.
The F-16s will replace aging MiG-29s and Su-25s initially, with potential to phase out Mirage 2000s later, standardizing Peru’s fleet and cutting costs. No KC-135 tanker confirmation emerged in reports.
Major Non-NATO Ally status strengthens U.S.-Peru ties, enhancing airspace defense, border security, and counter-narcotics operations. The move positions Peru as the fourth South American F-16 operator, boosting Lockheed Martin’s export program past 200 units.