With an internal debt operation through the issuance of sovereign bonds of up to S/7,580 million, the government formally began the process of purchasing 24 combat aircraft for the modernization of the main fleet of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), just 30 years after the acquisition of the second-hand Russian MiG-29.
listen to the newsText converted to audio
Artificial intelligence
In accordance with Supreme Decree No. 339-2025-EF signed by President José Jerí and the heads of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (Ernesto Álvarez), the Ministry of Defense (César Díaz Peche) and the Ministry of Economy (Denisse Miralles), the authorized amount is “intended to partially finance an investment project to be executed by the Ministry of Defense”, in reference to the strategic replacement plan for the Mirage 2000, the MiG-29 and the Sukhoi Su-25.
WE RECOMMEND YOU
MARISOL PÉREZ TELLO ACCUSES THE JNE OF EXCLUDING HER IRON BY MISTAKE | TROJ BURNS WITH JULIANA OXENFORD
The amount that received the government’s approval represents 57% of the US$3.5 billion planned for the incorporation of 24 completely new fighters, 20 single-seaters and 4 two-seaters, according to the Public Investment Project (PIP) of the Ministry of Defense.
During the administration of the former FAP general commander, Carlos Chávez Cateriano, the institution managed to have Congress approve the budget in 2025 to finance the purchase of the 24 fighters and begin the process that includes a technical study in which three models that meet the requirements are identified: the Rafale F4, from the French factory Dassault; the F-16 Block 70, from the American Lockheed Martin; and the Gripen E/F, from the Swedish company SAAB.
The Dassault company’s Rafale, one of the best in the world, but its cost would exceed the financing authorized by the government.
Models in display case
In the last half year, authorities from the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Defense and the FAP held official meetings with government officials in France, the United States and Sweden. And also in Lima with representatives of foreign companies, in order to learn in detail the characteristics of their respective proposals.
On September 15, 2025, the United States government made public its interest in selling 12 units of F-16 Block 70 to Peru with a logistics and maintenance program for US$3.42 billion. That is, half of what the FAP needs.
In terms of costs, SAAB’s offer is closer to the US$3.5 billion budget that the government has just confirmed, approving internal debt to finance 57% (US$2 billion) of the total cost of the project through sovereign bonds.
The proposals from the United States and France exceed the estimated amount of spending per aircraft, according to FAP evaluations.
The US has offered 12 units of F-16 Block 70, when the FAP has required 24 copies.
It is a fleet of 24 units
In the same Supreme Decree No. 339-2025-EF, which authorizes the debt operation through the issuance of sovereign bonds, “the investment project (the acquisition of the 24 war aircraft) is approved, active and registered in the Multiannual Investment Program 2025-2027 of the Defense Sector, being aligned with the prioritized objectives and goals regarding the closing of infrastructure gaps or access to services.”
That is, the expense is aimed at the purchase of 24 fighters, not one more, not one less.
According to the regulations, the process file must be transferred to the Armed Forces Procurement Agency (ACFFAA), which will appoint a committee for evaluations, negotiations and contracting.
Another option is for the government to declare the acquisition of national interest through the sole supplier formula – because it is the only one that meets all the technical and economic requirements – and close an agreement directly with one of the three companies mentioned.
