U.S.: F-16 deal deepens security partnership with Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama

Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama

00:30 | Lima, Apr. 24.

The United States Southern Command, one of that country's combatant commands, stressed that the agreement signed by Peru to acquire a batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets reaffirms its commitment to deepening the security partnership between the two countries.

Through its X account, U.S. Southern Command, based in Florida, congratulated Peru on the decision to purchase the aircraft.

The post was shared by the account of the U.S. Embassy in Lima as well.

It also said that the incorporation of this more advanced version of the F-16 into the Peruvian Air Force improves the country's air defense capabilities and strengthens its contribution to security in the Western Hemisphere.

"This agreement reaffirms our commitment to support Peruvian defense modernization and deepen the U.S.-Peru security partnership," the post said.

It was signed by Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command.

Likewise, the aircraft manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said the acquired units will help protect Peru's sovereignty "while strengthening the enduring partnership between our nations."

The company said "the Block 70 is the newest and most capable F-16 ever built, with the longest service life, lowest lifecycle cost, and strongest global support base of any fighter in production today."

(END) MCA/JCR/MVB

Published: 4/24/2026