The US State Department has approved a potential $3.42-billion sale to Peru of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and a comprehensive support package.
Lima requested the purchase of 10 F-16C Block 70 and two F-16D Block 70 aircraft, intended to “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.”
It will also enhance the Latin American country’s military partnership with the US, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
For weapons, the package includes 12 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); 48 installed LAU-129 guided missile launchers with four spares; and 12 M61A1 anti-aircraft guns.
AIM-9X Sidewinders were also requested, particularly 12 missiles in the Block II configuration, two tactical guidance units, one Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) guidance unit, and two CATMs.
Scope of the Deal
Peru’s request also covers 14 F110-GE-129 engines, 14 Improved Programmable Display Generators, and 14 Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems, with 12 of each to be installed and two retained as spares.
The package further includes 14 AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array radars, 14 Modular Mission Computers 7000AH or their next-generation equivalent, and 14 Multifunctional Information Distribution System–Joint Tactical Radio Systems, also in a 12-installed, two-spare configuration.
Additional systems include infrared search and track sensors, missile warning and electronic warfare suites, Litening targeting pods, Cartridge/Propellant Actuated Devices, AMRAAM CATMs, and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System II displays, along with ammunition, countermeasure equipment, and advanced identification friend-or-foe transponders.
The package is rounded out by radios, cryptographic devices, key loaders, night vision equipment, test sets, mission planning tools, and related logistics and program assistance.
Lockheed Martin, General Electric Aerospace, and RTX are the contractors.
