The selection of the combat aircraft model to modernize the fleet of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) will be the result of the process carried out by the Armed Forces Purchasing Agency (ACFFAA)and not in accordance with the preferences of the Executive Branch, said Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez.
Although Álvarez admitted that the government is in favor of the F-16 Block 70, from the North American factory Lockheed Martin, because it is linked to the “strategic interest” of the Executive of consolidating an alliance with the United States; He indicated that the ACFFAA and other organizations involved are the ones with the mission of choosing the best proposal.
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“The government that you represent as prime minister, is in favor of the F-16 Block 70 (fighters)? Are we leaning towards that path?” asked journalist Víctor Andrés Ponce, from the portal “El Montonero.”
“We are inclined, but the government does not decide. Because the decision, in accordance with the principles of contracting, are governed in this case, ultimately, by the hiring center (Armed Forces Purchasing Agency),” said Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez.
Álvarez’s statements confirm that in the Government Palace there is a preference for the F-16 Block 70, in order to fit with the proposal for a strategic agreement proposed by President Donald Trump (the “Donroe Doctrine”). However, he stressed that the choice of the war aircraft model corresponds to the ACFFAA.
The Gripen have greater advantages, although they would take longer to deliver, according to the premier. Photo: diffusion
As reported by La República, a specialized technical team from the FAP concluded that there are three models that potentially meet the technical requirements to replace the Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Sukhoi 25, which in practice are inoperative.
The three models in which the FAP has the greatest interest are the French Rafale 4, the American F-16 Block 70 and the Swedish Gripen.. ACFFAA specialists must evaluate whether the proposals and conditions of each country and factory fit the needs of the FAP.
As of today, the process is still ongoing, no model has been chosen, there is no contract. This is what Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez confirmed. What’s more, the studies could take six months, which would imply that they will be concluded in the next government, according to sources related to the process consulted by this newspaper.
“In conclusion, is Jerí’s government going to announce the purchase of the 24 fighters?” they insisted to Premier Álvarez.
“If everything goes well, yes. But to a large extent it does not depend on us. It also depends on other organizations that have autonomy, by the way, and that have their share of responsibility and commitment,” he answered.
In the first week of February, Álvarez assumed that the selected model would be the F-16 Block 70since it would strengthen the relationship with Washington.
“It is known to all that the United States now exercises leadership not only regionally, but globally, extremely dynamic and extremely active. (…) Therefore, this acquisition (of the 24 fighters) does not correspond to buying trucks, nor buying cars, but is part of a strategic policy that involves the future of the country,” he stated.
Now he has changed his position.
Álvarez maintains that the Rafale 4 is a good aircraft, but that an alliance with France is less advantageous compared to the US. Photo: diffusion
Models in play
“All three aircraft (Rafale 4, Gripen and F-16 Block 70) have their advantages and disadvantages. The great advantage of the Swede (Gripen) is that it can land anywhere, on a football field. In a planted field. That in Peru is invaluable, very important. And (the cost of) the flight hour practically resembles the flight hour of a helicopter. “That is an advantage,” explained the prime minister.
“The disadvantages are that they are just delivering the second part of the batch purchased ten years ago to Brazil. Swedish industrial production capacity takes much longer and would go well beyond 2030,” he mentioned.
As is publicly known, delivery dates changed due to payment delays caused by government crises in Brazil and because this country reconsidered the contract when obtaining the co-production of Gripen in its territory.
“The Rafale 4 is a better instrument, it is a better platform, but the alliance with France does not really guarantee us neither technologically nor defensively, major aspects, at least similar, or comparable, to the United States,” he expressed.
“The F-16 is not the plane of 30 years ago, as has been claimed. The F-16 Block 70 is a totally new plane. The capsule, the avionics, the screen, the instruments, the radar, it is all different,” described the prime minister.
According to the head of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, “the F-16 is accompanied by the necessary authorization for the defensive or offensive missions to be carried out,” in the context of the strategic alliance with the United States in the region.
“Then it is unquestionable, the government of José Jerí is going to announce the purchase of the F-16s,” journalist Ponce told Ernesto Álvarez.
“It’s not up to us, unfortunately. If it depended entirely on us, we could announce it. But that depends on the purchasing center (the ACFFAA)”, was the response.
Everything must conform to the Manual
- The actions of the ACFFAA comply with the Foreign Market Contracting Manual, which was published on January 8 of this year.
- If it is determined that only one of the bidders meets the requirements, the possibility of a direct contract is considered. But the approval of the Comptroller’s Office is required.
- Congress approved a budget of US$3.5 billion for 24 units. These parameters are not negotiable.
- The US has offered 12 F-16 Block 70 for US$3.42 billion. Saab, the Swedish company that manufactures the Gripen, reported that its offer fits the requirement of 24 aircraft for US$3.5 billion. The Dassault company could offer up to 18 examples of the Rafale 4 for this sum.
