The crisis in Eastern Europe continues to pose new challenges for countries equipped with Russian technology like Peru. The repair challenge for Mil Mi-8/17/171 helicopters has been addressed by the modern Army Maintenance Center (CEMAE), while the Peruvian Air Force’s (FAP) Sukhoi Su-25s are being refurbished by SEMAN SAC.
The issue lies with Peru’s MiG-29s, whose modernization program progressed slowly and has now stalled, with little expectation of resuming. Adding to this scenario are the Dassault Mirage 2000P/DP jets with 40 years of service, prompting discussions about the necessary renewal in fighter and bomber aviation.
There is growing interest in Western industry products, particularly the Lockheed Martin F-16C, whose Block 50D/P ‘Fighting Falcon’ models recently flew over Chiclayo, precisely where the “Fulcrum” jets are based. This isn’t their first visit; they were here during the ‘Halcon Condor 2007’ dissimilar exercises with the local M-2000s and MiG-29s, leaving a positive impression.
Against this backdrop, Peru’s significant participation in recent ‘Resolute Sentinel’ exercises, the most important joint military training in this part of the continent sponsored by the United States, could be more than a signal. The presence of two Boeing C-17 ‘Globemaster III’, three Lockheed Martin C-130J ‘Super Hercules’, and one Leonardo C-27J ‘Spartan’, along with a Fairchild Dornier C-146A ‘Wolfhound’ from Special Operations Forces, and four Sikorsky UH-60M ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters, alongside specialist personnel and equipment, underscores the strong ties between Washington and Lima.
The aircraft seen were from the ‘Viper Demo Team’, originating from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. If a purchase materializes, it would signify a return to ‘American-made’ after over 45 years of divergence, reshaping the dominance of French and Russian technology in Peru during that period.
*Viper Demo Team Photographs: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer
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