Peru has signed a deal to acquire a Beechcraft King Air 360C to expand its airlift capacity for evacuation, transport, and disaster relief operations.
Built by Textron Aviation, the twin‑engine turboprop features a cargo door and is designed to carry larger payloads, making it well suited for medical evacuations and rapid humanitarian response in remote regions. It is expected to enter service in 2028.
Under the contract, Textron will provide training for aircraft operations and maintenance, as well as instruction for engine and avionics technicians to support long-term sustainment.
The order follows two multi‑mission Beechcraft King Air 360C aircraft delivered to the Peruvian Air Force in November 2024, configured for air medical missions and higher-weight operations.
The Peruvian Army has long operated Textron‑built aircraft, including the Cessna Skylane, Skyhawk, and various King Air variants.
Peru’s Big Aircraft Buys
Peru’s defense modernization efforts span beyond this latest transport purchase, with several major aircraft procurement programs underway or under consideration.
In September 2025, the US Department of State approved a potential $3.42-billion sale of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to Peru. The package includes 10 single-seat F-16C and two twin-seat F-16D Block 70 aircraft, along with advanced sensors, engines, and support equipment.
The proposed sale aims to enhance the Peruvian Air Force’s ability to control its airspace and conduct precision air-to-ground strike missions.
Lima has also explored light combat aircraft options.
In July 2024, the government explored acquiring dozens of South Korean FA‑50 jets to replace aging fighters, with a potential order of 20 to 24 aircraft featuring modern avionics and weapons systems.
