The US State Department has cleared a potential $3.42-billion deal to provide Peru with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and an extensive support package.
Peru requested 10 F-16C Block 70s and two F-16D Block 70s to strengthen its ability to safeguard national airspace, secure borders, and conduct precision strikes in counter-narcotics and counterterrorism missions. The purchase will also reinforce Peru’s defense cooperation with the United States, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted.
The weapons package includes 12 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, 48 LAU-129 missile launchers (plus four spares), and 12 M61A1 guns. Additionally, Lima requested 12 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinders, tactical and training guidance units, and Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs).
Other equipment includes 14 F110-GE-129 engines, 14 advanced radars (AN/APG-83 AESA), Modular Mission Computers, GPS/INS navigation systems, Joint Tactical Radios, targeting pods, infrared search and track sensors, missile warning suites, and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System II displays.
The package is rounded out with radios, night vision gear, cryptographic devices, countermeasure systems, mission planning tools, spares, and logistics support. Lockheed Martin, General Electric Aerospace, and RTX will serve as the primary contractors.
