Lima, December 17 - The Peruvian Air Force's ambitious plan to acquire 24 multirole fighter jets represents a critical step in modernizing its aging combat fleet, which currently relies on outdated Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 aircraft. This procurement aims to restore air superiority and deterrence capabilities essential for national defense. The initiative, budgeted at approximately $3.5 billion, involves acquiring the aircraft in two phases of 12 units each. It includes comprehensive logistical support, technology transfer, and opportunities for local industry participation.
Competing proposals from leading manufacturers, Dassault's Rafale F4, Lockheed Martin's F-16 Block 70, and Saab's Gripen E/F, have undergone rigorous technical evaluation by the Peruvian Air Force. The process emphasizes not only advanced avionics, weapon systems, and operational performance but also alignment with fiscal constraints and long-term sustainability. Recent congressional approval of additional funding tranches has enabled progress, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing aerial defense amid regional security dynamics.
However, the acquisition has encountered procedural scrutiny from Peru's ContralorÃa General de la República, the national audit authority. On December 12, 2025, the watchdog issued observations regarding the validation of the Air Force's technical dossier, focusing on documentation processes prior to submission to the Armed Forces Procurement Agency. These findings, described as formal rather than substantive, highlight the need for meticulous compliance in high-value defense contracts to ensure transparency and accountability.
Despite these hurdles, the Peruvian Ministry of Defense has affirmed that the Air Force addressed the concerns promptly, allowing the procurement to advance toward government-to-government negotiations. This oversight reflects Peru's efforts to maintain integrity in major military acquisitions, balancing urgency for fleet renewal with robust governance. The resolution of these procedural matters will determine the timeline for selecting the winning platform and initiating deliveries, marking a pivotal advancement in the Peruvian Air Force modernization program.
