The government of Peru signed a contract to purchase 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. File Photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA
The government of Peru finalized the sign a contract to purchase 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin after several days of uncertainty and tensions with the United States that had cast doubt over the deal, according to Peruvian media reports.
The signing reportedly took place privately at Las Palmas Air Base on Monday, despite the interim administration of President José María Balcázar having announced suspension of negotiations Friday.
The initial agreement includes the acquisition of Fighting Falcons under the United States Foreign Military Sales program. The comprehensive package includes weapons, radar systems and logistical support, with an estimated value of $3.42 billion. It includes the option for a second batch of 12 fighters, according to Aviacionline.
The contract had been placed on hold when said purchase decision would be left to the next government.
“It was a complete surprise for everyone,” sources linked to the process said, including U.S. officials and representatives from Lockheed Martin who already were in Lima, according to local newspaper Perú21.
That same day, the U.S. ambassador to Peru, Bernie Navarro, published a message warning of possible consequences in the event of failed negotiations..
If you deal with the U.S. in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests, rest assured, I, on behalf of @POTUS Trump and his administration, will use every available tool to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States and our region.— Embajador Navarro (@USAmbPeru) April 17, 2026
According to the program, the event was expected to include the presence of Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Officer James D. Taiclet, and there was already a document signed by the Peruvian state formalizing the purchase decision, which had been delivered to the company, according to Perú21.
The acquisition process had extended for more than 1 1/2 years, with weekly meetings and direct participation of U.S. officials at different stages. During that time, the Peruvian state missed at least four previous signing deadlines amid political changes that repeatedly reset negotiations, Peru21 reported.
The preference for the U.S. model was consolidated during previous administrations for geopolitical reasons, in a process that included at least 11 formal stages, according to a statement from the presidency cited in the report.
Also considered were Sweden’s Saab Gripen E/F and France’s Dassault Rafale.
According to the trade publication PortalMilitar, the agreement establishes a total investment of around $2 billion in its initial phase, of which $1.54 billion is allocated to the direct purchase the 12 fighters.
Another $460 million is allocated through the U.S. program for support equipment, spare parts, training, simulators and air-to-air weapons. The contract also includes the delivery of a used Boeing KC-135R refueling aircraft.
Incorporation of the F-16s will begin in 2029 and will allow the gradual replacement of the MiG-29, currently inoperable due to the lack of technical support after sanctions were imposed on Russia.
Peru is evaluating acquiring a second squadron to replace the French Mirage 2000, with a projected budget of $1.5 billion, according to PortalMilitar.
