Between May 4 and 7, a high -level Peruvian delegation will travel to USAheaded by the Minister of defense, Walter Astudilloand the General Commander of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano. The agenda includes key meetings in Washington DC, where an encounter with the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth is expected.
One of the topics that could be placed in the center of the conversation is the Possible acquisition of F-16flagship plane of Lockheed Martinas part of a strategy to strengthen the operational abilities of the FAP.
In addition to the Minister of Defense, an official trip of the FAP delegation to the United States is authorized.
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The Peruvian delegation would seek to explore the technical, logistics and strategic benefits that an eventual purchase of these aircraft would bring to the country.
This official visit occurs at a crucial moment: Peru is immersed in an international bidding process to renew its aging combat fleet, currently composed of Mig-29 y Mirage 2000.
The United States is one of the main competitors, and the appointment in Washington could mark a turning point in decision making.
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Manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martinhe F-16 It was originally developed in the 1970s as a light -ups of aerial superiority.
Over time, it evolved towards a multipurpose platform capable of complying with land attack missions, recognition, and air defense.
F-16 combat aircraft file images. (Photo by John Thys / AFP)
Its design includes an advanced cabin, modern plane and ability to operate in all types of climatic conditions.
Among its main characteristics are:
- Maximum speed: Mach 2 (aprox. 2,470 km/h)
- Combat range: 1,370 km
- Payload: up to 7,700 kg of weapons
- Maneuverability: Excellent, with a highly efficient aerodynamic design
- Radar: AN/APG-83 AESA in more recent versions
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Currently, more than 25 countries operate the F-16, including USA, Israel, Türkiye, Greece, South Korea, Egypt, Chile y Morocco. This is a strong point in favor of the American combat plane.
With more than 4,600 units manufactured, it is one of the most used aircraft worldwide. His maintenance y training They are standardized, which represents a advantage Logistics and operational for the allied countries of the United States, but that would represent a high level of dependence.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the United States Air Force as those used to defend Israel from Iran’s attack. (Photo of Mike Nelson/AFP).
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Within the framework of its technical evaluation, Peru also considers two European models: the Dassault Rafale French and the Can JAS 39 Gripen Swedish.
Each one presents different strengths:
| Feature | F-16 (of.u.) | Rafale (France) | Gripen and (Suecia/Brazil) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Mach 2 | Mach 1.8 | Mach 2 | ||||||||||||
| Estimated cost per unit | USD 80-100 million | USD 120-140 million | USD 85 million | ||||||||||||
| Electronic | Advanced, Aesa | Advanced, fusion of sensors | Advanced, adaptable to the environment | ||||||||||||
| Motor | 1 (F110-GE) | 2 (Snecma M88) | 1 (GE F414) | ||||||||||||
| Load capacity | Medium-high | Alta | Media | ||||||||||||
| Ease of maintenance | Alta | Media | Very high | ||||||||||||
He F-16 has the advantage to be widely tested in combat and have a technical support network.
Rafale offers state -of -the -art versatile capabilities and a high degree of operational autonomy, but its price is the highest.
The flu and, on the other hand, combines advanced technology with low operating costs, being co -produced with Brazil, which could facilitate regional cooperation.
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The Peruvian government has held preliminary meetings with delegations from the United States, France and Brazil in recent months.
Lockheed Martin He proposed an offer that includes technology transfer, pilot training, simulators and a local maintenance line in Peru.
According to the general commander of the FAP, Carlos Enrique Chávez Caterianoa requirement to buy any of the combat planes is that the chosen hunting has Combat experience. Something that fulfills the F-16.
The combat planes that are part of the short list of the FAP to replace the Mirage: Rafale (left), E/F (medium) and F-16 (right). Photo: Management.
However, experts agree that the presence of other operators of this plane in South America, particularly Chile, could tip the balance against the US plane.
Peru is at a key moment of renewal of its air fleet. The choice between the F-16he Rafale or the Gripen Not only will it determine the capacity of national defense for the next decades, but also the type of strategic alliances that will be sought to strengthen.
