Peru has received US government approval for the possible acquisition of 12 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70 fighters, as Belgium and Norway are cleared for possible air-launched weapons sales.
The potential Foreign Military Sale is valued at $3.42 billion and includes 10 single-seat F-16Cs and a pair of two-seat F-16Ds, according to the US Government’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The F-16 Block 70 is competing with other types for Peru’s fighter requirement.
In addition, the package includes 14 GE Aerospace F110 engines, 14 Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array radars, as well as a range of other equipment, weapons, and support for the deal.
“The proposed sale will enhance the Peruvian Air Force’s ability to control its sovereign airspace, defend its territorial borders, and conduct precision air-to-ground attack operations in support of ground forces in counter-narcotics and counterterrorism operations,” says the DSCA.
“The sale will also enhance Peru’s military partnership with the United States on an enduring long-term basis. Peru will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
Other types in contention for the Peruvian fighter requirement are the Dassault Aviation Rafale F4, and the Saab Gripen E/F. The Korea Aerospace KF-21 Boramae fighter may also be considered by Lima.
The overall requirement is understood to be up to 24 new fighters. The Peruvian air force currently operates a mix of aged tactical jets, including the RAC MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-25, Dassault Mirage 2000P and Cessna A-37.
In addition to clearing the possible Peruvian F-16 deal, the DSCA has also approved possible munitions sales to Belgium and Norway.
Belgium has been cleared to buy up to 320 Raytheon AIM-9X air-to-air missiles in a potential $568 million deal. The weapons will equip Belgium’s F-35A fighters.
Norway has been cleared for the possible acquisition of up to 816 Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment 1 for $113 million.
© 2025, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
