The Executive Branch published Supreme Decree No. 020-2026-EF that authorizes the transfer of S/ 1,137 million to the Ministry of Defense for project 2573425: Recovery of the aerospace control capacity and precision in military operations at La Joya Air Base. In good account, the modernization of the combat air fleet of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).
That amount (about US$340 million) is the initial payment for the acquisition of 24 fighter aircraft within a program whose total budget is estimated at US$3.5 billion.
Among the aircraft considered are models from the United States, Sweden and France: Lockheed-Martin F-16, SaaB Gripen and the Dassault Rafale.
While in the Executive there would be a preference for the F-16, in the FAP the Gripen and the Rafale are mentioned as favorites, according to sources, due to their combination of operational cost and capabilities.
Financial and operational implications
The authorized transfer corresponds to the initial payment; multi-year financing will need to be secured to complete the purchases and associated support with bidders. In addition to the acquisition price, the program must consider maintenance, spare parts, weapons, training of crews and technical personnel, and future modernizations.
Technology transfer clauses must also be negotiated, training and local industrial participation is a priority to reduce external dependence and long-term costs. The choice of supplier will condition compatibility with allies, access to spare parts and possible restrictions due to export policies or sanctions.
What suppliers say
North American manufacturer pointed to Peru21 that the version offered to Peru is much more modern than Chile’s F-16. It has greater operational capabilities, extended useful life and lower life cycle costs.
“Peru can be confident that the F-16 Block 70 is the most combat-capable and cost-effective fourth-generation fighter currently in production, ready to respond to the country’s air defense needs today and for decades to come. The F-16 Block 70 can play a key role in helping Peru strengthen the capabilities, community and sovereignty necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected security environment,” Lockheed-Martin said. to Peru21.
For its part, the Swedish manufacturer pointed to Peru21 that the acquisition of the Gripen would create a strategic defense alliance between Sweden and Peru.
“Gripen is the most modern aircraft on the market, it integrates the latest technology to guarantee air superiority. Likewise, it has a unique capacity for deployed operations. It can land and take off on short, unconventional or unprepared runways of 800 meters, which fits with the Peruvian geography allowing it to operate throughout the country. Gripen was designed with the lowest possible logistical footprint in mind. This means that it has a low demand for maintenance and minimal support requirements. This keeps costs low and ensures greater fleet availability. It is also the most profitable option on the market,” Saab told this media.
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