The purchase of combat aircraft for the Air Force of the Peru would have been defined in favor of F-16 Block 70 from the American company Lockheed Martinafter the company substantially improved its initial offer and adjusted it to the Government budget, according to sector sources cited by The Republic.
According to these sources, the proposal went from 12 fighters for 3.42 billion dollars to a package of 24 aircraft for 3.5 billiona difference in the total cost that ended up being decisive in the process.
The new approach is aligned with the original requirement of the Peruvian Air Force, which contemplated the acquisition of 24 units. The formula would include a phased purchase: 12 aircraft for about $2 billion in the first phase and the remaining 12 for $1.5 billion in 2027.
Although the Ministry of Defense has not officially confirmed the election, different sources indicated to the media that The decision has already been made and all that remains is its public announcement.
The French Dassault Aviation, with the Rafale F4, and the Swedish Saab, with the Gripen E/F. However, the Swedish company recently warned that it would withdraw from the process if it did not receive a request to update its offer.
Sources from the sector indicated to that medium that, in addition to the economic factor, a political criterion influenced. The Government would have chosen to strengthen its alignment with the United States in matters of defense.
President José María Balcázar also pointed out that a policy initiated by the previous administration is continuing. (YO)
