Overview
- Peru’s F-16 program, which Lockheed Martin confirmed after a $462 million first payment on Thursday, drew public praise from U.S. Southern Command as a boost to Peru’s air defense.
- The U.S. Embassy disclosed a technical signing on Monday, April 20, after President José María Balcázar said the purchase was postponed, and the defense and foreign ministers resigned in protest of his claim.
- The initial agreement covers 12 F-16 Block 70 jets, with reporting of a two‑phase plan for 24 aircraft, and U.S. and Peruvian officials expect first deliveries between 2029 and 2030 with pilot and maintainer training starting now.
- In Lima on Saturday, two U.S. F-16s from the Viper Demo Team performed at the BALP 2026 air show, drawing large crowds to Las Palmas Air Base for flyovers and static displays.
- Lockheed describes the Block 70 as its most advanced F‑16, and U.S. officials say the package includes weapons, training, long-term maintenance and industry offsets that could spur U.S. investment in Peru.