Peru’s air combat modernisation effort opens up $2.5 billion market opportunity
Peru recently confirmed its acquisition of a fifth Leonardo C-27J aircraft. (Photo: Leonardo)
The latest purchase of F-16V combat aircraft comes as the country presses ahead with its long-held plans to modernise its air combat capabilities and invest in the replacement of ageing Russian aircraft.
Peru has made headway in recent months in its efforts to modernise and overhaul the capabilities of its armed forces aircraft, with Shephard forecasting a further US$2.5 billion in market opportunities for additional aircraft procurement over the next decade for the country.
Over the past two months, procurement of the F-16 Block 70/72 combat jet and additional platforms to bolster its airlift capabilities, namely Leonardo’s C-27 multi-role tactical airlifter and Beechcraft King Air 360C, has been the culmination of long-held plans. Peru first announced its intent to procure 24 fighter jets in 2024 for $3.5 billion.
In April 2026, the
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