NextFin news, The United States State Department approved on Wednesday the potential sale of 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to Peru, valued at $3.42 billion, to support the South American country's counternarcotics and counterterrorism operations, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The deal includes 10 single-seat F-16C and 2 dual-seat F-16D aircraft, along with 14 F110-GE-129 engines, AN/APG-83 AESA radars, modular mission computers, navigation systems, and a comprehensive weapons package. The weapons include 12 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, 12 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, missile launchers, and M61A1 Vulcan cannons for each jet.
Additional equipment in the package covers electronic warfare systems, infrared search and track sensors, Litening targeting pods, helmet-mounted displays, secure communication systems, night vision devices, ammunition, and countermeasures. The sale also includes training, logistics support, and program management to ensure operational readiness.
The DSCA stated the sale aims to enhance Peru's ability to control its airspace, secure its borders, and conduct precision strike missions in support of counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts. The deal also seeks to deepen defense cooperation between the US and Peru.
Peru's current air force operates older Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighters, and the acquisition of the modern F-16 Block 70 jets would significantly upgrade its capabilities and align it more closely with US and NATO standards.
The primary contractors for the sale are Lockheed Martin, General Electric Aerospace, and RTX Corporation. The sale must still undergo congressional review before final approval.
The DSCA delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the potential sale on Monday, September 15, 2025. The announcement was made from Washington, D.C.
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