The US State Department approved a sale of F-16 Block 70, including single and twin seater configurations, alongside a small number of air-to-air missiles.
The approved sale announced on DSCA has an estimated cost of $3.42 billion. 10 F-16C Block 70 and two F-16D Block 70 are present in the package, alongside weaponry/pods. 12 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder, 12 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles; AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pods, and AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield (or equivalent) EW systems are the other notable assets in the sale.
Peru’s Search for New Fighter Jets
F-16 is among the contenders in the bid to replace Peru’s ageing fighter fleet. Other competitors include the French Rafale, Swedish Gripen E, and Korean KF-21. The new jets will replace the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 nearing the end of their service.
According to Peruvian news outlet Peru21’s report from July 2025, a budget of approximately $3.5 billion has been dedicated. Also, according to the source, Gripen E is in a leading position with an offer of 24 fighter jets.
It would not be a surprise to see Gripen E being the forerunner, considering its main strength being low operating costs alongside up-to-date avionics. While Gripen E has a smaller weapons capacity compared to its competitors, it can still carry most types of munitions a fighter can use, including the Meteor BVRAAM and RBS-15 Mk4 cruise missile.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
