![\"Peru](\"https:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/F16Block70cover-460x259.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Peru has selected the F-16 Block 70<\/a> as its next multirole fighter, marking a major step in the modernization of the Fuerza A\u00e9rea del Per\u00fa (FAP). However, the acquisition has triggered a political crisis and tensions within the government.<\/p>\n Lockheed Martin confirmed<\/a> on Apr. 23, 2026, that Peru intends to procure an initial batch of 12 aircraft. The selection concludes a long-running competition for the replacement of Peru\u2019s current fleet of Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s, which included the F-16 Block 70, the Saab Gripen E and the Dassault Rafale.<\/p>\n The competition was launched in 2024, followed a year later by the request to the Swedish government to authorize the sale of Gripens<\/a> and a U.S. Foreign Military Sale (FMS) authorization for the sale of the F-16 Block 70. The latter, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), was worth up to $3.42 billion.<\/p>\n \u201cPeru\u2019s choice of the F-16 underscores the aircraft\u2019s unmatched operational performance and combat record, as well as its ability to meet the most pressing defense requirements,\u201d said Mike\u202fShoemaker, Vice President of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed\u202fMartin. \u201cWe are proud that the most advanced F-16 ever produced will help protect Peru\u2019s national sovereignty while strengthening the enduring partnership between our nations.\u201d<\/p>\n Initial reporting suggested uncertainty over the timing of the acquisition, however the U.S. Embassy in Peru shed more light on the deal on Apr. 22. According to the statement<\/a>, the Peruvian government requested U.S. officials and Lockheed Martin representatives to not speak about the acquisition process publicly at any point, with the only official statements being released after the confirmation of the selection.<\/p>\n However, there were some additional hiccups that caused additional delays:<\/p>\n \u201cOn April 14, Lockheed Martin was informed in writing of its selection, with a technical signing scheduled for 7:00am and a ceremonial signing for 5:00pm on April 17.\u00a0\u00a0The U.S. team, both government officials and high-level Lockheed Martin executives, were ready to report to Las Palmas Air Base and the Presidential Palace as requested.\u00a0\u00a0The United States learned the signing was postponed via national radio.\u00a0\u00a0There is a correct way to do serious, credible business. A technical signing between authorized parties took place on April 20, 2026, with full awareness from the highest levels of the Peruvian government.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n According to Reuters<\/em><\/a>, the signing on Apr. 17 was reportedly cancelled by interim President Jose Balcazar, citing concerns over tying the next government to a major defense commitment. He thus publicly stated that financial commitments related to the deal should be deferred to the next administration, which is expected to take office later this year.<\/p>\n As a consequence, Defense Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned, citing Balcazar\u2019s handling of the deal\u00a0as one of the causes. \u201cA strategic decision has been taken \u200bin the area of national security with which I have a fundamental disagreement,\u201d Diaz said \u2060in his resignation letter.<\/p>\n U.S. officials were left baffled by the situation. Possibly referring to the cancelled signing on Apr. 17, U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro posted on X that if parties negotiate \u201cwith the U.S. in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests,\u201d he would use, on behalf of U.S. President Donald Trump, \u201cevery available tool to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n If you deal with the U.S. in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests, rest assured, I, on behalf of @POTUS<\/a> Trump and his administration, will use every available tool to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States and our region.<\/p>\n \u2014 Embajador Navarro (@USAmbPeru) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Embassy also warned against further delays:<\/p>\n \u201cThe F-16\u00a0Block\u00a070\u00a0is one of the most technically advanced and complex\u00a0fighter\u00a0aircraft\u00a0ever\u00a0built\u00a0\u2014\u00a0including\u00a0cutting-edge\u00a0avionics, radar, weapons systems, and flight controls into a single, highly agile platform.\u00a0\u00a0In the case of Peru\u2019s F-16\u00a0Block 70 jets,\u00a0the United States\u00a0offered to include two\u00a0weapons\u00a0systems that have never been placed on an F-16\u00a0to meet Peru\u2019s specific requirements.\u00a0\u00a0Regarding\u00a0arguments about postponing\u00a0a\u00a0decision:\u00a0when a manufacturer\u00a0plans for the delivery of a product of this caliber, there is\u00a0no such thing as a small and inconsequential delay.\u00a0\u00a0There are\u00a0hundreds\u00a0of stakeholders, supply chain considerations,\u00a0and\u00a0detailed work that is put in\u00a0motion\u00a0to make this possible for Peru.\u00a0\u00a0Supplier contracts\u00a0maintain\u00a0cost for a finite period,\u00a0then costs go up.\u00a0\u00a0Currently, each delay results in\u00a0significant\u00a0additional\u00a0cost\u00a0for industry partners.\u00a0\u00a0The same\u00a0package\u00a0will\u00a0not be available\u00a0in a couple\u00a0months,\u00a0or even a couple of weeks,\u00a0due\u00a0to\u00a0increased supplier costs and interest from other countries given\u00a0the\u00a0dynamic context of the global world we\u00a0all\u00a0live in.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Peru\u2019s Ministry of Economy and Finance and Ambassador Navarro later confirmed that the country had transferred $462 million to Lockheed Martin, described as a first payment for the new fighters. Navarro additionally said that the first aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2029 and 2030.<\/p>\n The 12 aircraft appear to be only the initial phase of the acquisition. In fact, according to reports, Peru intends to acquire up to 24 aircraft to fully replace the MiG-29s<\/a> and Mirage 2000s.<\/p>\n So far, only the initial batch appears to have been authorized. It is unclear whether discussions are already in progress for the remaining 12 fighters or if this has been postponed to the new administration.<\/p>\nThe selection<\/h3>\n
![\"F-16](\"http:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Lockheed_Martin_Bulgaria_F_16_Block_70-706x397.jpg\")
<\/a>\n
Political crisis<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mirage_2000_Peru-706x479.jpg\")
<\/a>\n
\n
First payment and the program<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MiG_29_Mirage_2000_Peru-706x397.jpg\")
<\/a>