Peru Pays US$462 Million for 12 F-16 Jets, Then Freezes the Deal
Peru agreed to buy 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and paid a US$462 million first installment, before an interim president froze the deal and two ministers resigned. The post Peru Pays US$462 Million for 12 F-16 Jets, Then Freezes the Deal appeared first on The Rio Times .
Peru has purchased 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin for US$462 million, then put the deal on hold. The FAP agreed to buy ten single-seat F-16C models and two twin-seat F-16D trainers, with the contract signed and a portion of the payment made. The US$462 million installment was sent to Lockheed Martin shortly after signing the deal on April 20, 2026.
The jets, costing around US$1.54 billion, will replace Peru's aging MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 fleets. The F-16 deal was chosen over Sweden's Gripen and France's Rafale. However, interim President José María Balcázar halted the purchase, arguing it was premature. His decision split the cabinet, leading to resignations of Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela.
Peru aims to improve its air force due to Western sanctions on Russia reducing spare parts and support for its older jets. The deal is expected to deepen Peru's defense ties with the United States, as the first deliveries are scheduled for around 2029-2030.
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