In a chaotic and tumultuous day, and through a statement from the Council of Ministers, Peru officially and categorically confirmed the signing of a contract for the purchase of new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to equip the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), as well as the payment of the first installment of US$462 million to Lockheed Martin. Confirmation was also provided by the United States Embassy in Lima, as well as by the President of Congress, who stated hours earlier that the payments committed to in the agreements signed on April 20 had begun.
Following this, the US Embassy in Lima issued a statement providing additional details about the transaction and the chronology of events leading up to the signing of the agreement between Peruvian and US officials on April 20.
Regarding this matter, it was stated that: “On April 14, Lockheed Martin was notified in writing of its selection. A technical signing was then scheduled for April 17 at 7:00 a.m., followed by a ceremonial signing at 5:00 p.m. The U.S. team, including both government officials and high-level Lockheed Martin executives, was ready to appear at Las Palmas Air Base and the Government Palace as requested. The United States learned that the signing had been postponed through national radio. There is a proper way to conduct serious and credible business with one of the world’s leading companies, and this is not it. A technical signing between the authorized parties took place on April 20, 2026, with the full knowledge of the highest levels of the Peruvian government.”
Adding that, “…at the request of the Peruvian government, U.S. officials and Lockheed Martin representatives have not spoken publicly about the acquisition process at any time during the past year and a half, respectfully deferring to the Peruvian government to share public updates on its domestic acquisition efforts.”
Regarding the deal, originally comprised of twelve F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, the most advanced version of the fighter currently in production, as detailed last year in the State Department’s authorization, Lockheed Martin has reportedly improved its offer to include a total of 24 aircraft, in line with the requirements of the Peruvian Air Force, which seeks to incorporate the fighter jet to replace its aging Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s, which have limited operational availability.
Finally, regarding the statement by the President of the Council of Ministers of Peru, he indicated that the acquisition of the Vipers “…is in accordance with pre-established commitments related to national defense and requires respect for the presidential office, which is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.”
He added that: “It is important to have new equipment and strengthen our Armed Forces. That is why the National Security and Defense Council (Cosedena) approved the acquisition of these aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force. This decision is strategic in nature, and it is the Executive Branch’s responsibility to comply with and enforce the agreements issued by this governing body.”
He further stated that: “…we are fulfilling all the commitments made according to the schedule established in the F-16 aircraft purchase agreement, which will prevent any breaches of contract that could result in costly penalties and damage our country’s image.”
In response to this, one of the developments prior to the announcement was the statement by the President of the Peruvian Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi, who expressed on social media that: “…the Ministry of Economy is making the payment today as committed to in the two contracts signed on Monday the 20th, for the acquisition of aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force.”
For this reason, and moments ago, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) of Peru ratified the statements of the President of Congress, indicating the payment of “…US$462,000,000, corresponding to the first milestone of the contract signed between the Peruvian State and Lockheed Martin, within the framework of the process of acquiring F-16 aircraft for national defense.”
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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