Good News: The Peru F-16 Fighter Jet Deal Is Back On, for Good

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Peruvian officials firmly committed to purchasing 12 new F-16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin after both pressure from the US government and domestic criticism.

On Thursday, Peru officially committed to purchasing 12 new F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70 aircraft from US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. The news came only days after it was reported that Lima had put the deal on hold, and roughly one week after Lockheed Martin’s offer to improve the original deal.

Lockheed Martin confirmed in a media statement that Peruvian lawmakers had accepted the original base deal. It did not indicate the status of the second proposed deal, which would have seen the company give Lima an additional dozen aircraft for a pittance.

“Peru’s choice of the F-16 underscores the aircraft’s unmatched operational performance and combat record, as well as its ability to meet the most pressing defense requirements,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “We are proud that the most advanced F-16 ever produced will help protect Peru’s national sovereignty while strengthening the enduring partnership between our........

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