The Peruvian government has taken a new step toward modernizing the combat aviation branch of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) by authorizing the first funds allocated for the acquisition of new multirole fighters, in a process that has yet to determine whether it will select the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, the Saab Gripen E, or the Dassault Rafale. Through Ministerial Resolution No. 00167-2026-DE, published on February 17, the Executive approved the allocation of S/1.137 billion (approximately 300 million U.S. dollars) as part of the first transfer of funds for the project aimed at restoring the country’s aerospace control capabilities.
According to Supreme Decree No. 020-2026-EF, the funds are incorporated into the Ministry of Defense’s budget to partially finance investment project CUI No. 2573425, titled “Recovery of aerospace control capability and precision in military operations with high-performance fighter aircraft of Air Group No. 4,” based in La Joya, Arequipa. The measure represents a key administrative step marking the formal beginning of the process to replace the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 aircraft, which have been in service with the Peruvian Air Force for decades.
The provision, endorsed by President José Enrique Jerí Oré, Defense Minister César Francisco Díaz Peche, and Minister of Economy and Finance Denisse Miralles, stipulates that the funds may not be allocated to purposes other than those outlined in the decree. However, the publication coincided with an unexpected political development when the Peruvian Congress approved a motion of censure against Jerí Oré, leading to José María Balcázar assuming the presidency on an interim basis. This leadership change introduces uncertainty into a process that was already facing internal tensions and external pressures regarding the selection of the new weapons system.
On the technical and diplomatic front, the competition among the three contenders remains open. Although recent reports suggested that the F-16 Block 70 was emerging as the frontrunner, official sources and analysts maintain that the Gripen E remains fully under consideration. The Swedish model retains appeal due to its proposed technology transfer, cooperation with domestic industry, and potential benefits in areas such as education and technological development—elements that Saab has emphasized in its presentations to the Peruvian government.
For its part, Lockheed Martin has intensified its efforts in the competition by highlighting the strategic advantages of strengthening ties with the United States through the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70, an aircraft with proven effectiveness and broad interoperability within Western alliances. However, it is noted that the final cost of this option could exceed the projected budget, estimated at 3.5 billion U.S. dollars for the purchase of 24 aircraft—a figure that, in the case of the U.S. model, would reportedly be slightly higher than the Swedish proposal.
Amid the technical competition and geopolitical implications, the project is shaping up to be one of the most consequential decisions for the future of the Peruvian Air Force. The authorization of the initial funds does not yet represent a definitive selection, but it does confirm the State’s determination to restore its air defense capabilities.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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