Aviation News – Lockheed Martin has officially confirmed that the Government of Peru selected the F-16 Block 70 to modernize its air force, ending a high-stakes international competition. The agreement to purchase 12 new fighter aircraft marks a critical strategic pivot for Lima as it seeks to enhance its national defense capabilities through advanced American technology.
The decision, confirmed by the U.S. manufacturer on April 23, 2026, follows a turbulent selection process that saw Peru reverse an initial preference for Saab’s Gripen E/F. The path to the final agreement was notably complex, characterized by a contested signing period that included the resignation of two defense ministers and the sudden cancellation of a planned public ceremony. Despite these political hurdles, the selection solidifies Peru’s status as a key regional operator of the F-16 platform.
