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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![Post-Falklands policy still haunts Argentina’s Navy but opportunities remain]()
Post-Falklands policy still haunts Argentina’s Navy but opportunities remain
Post-Falklands political constraints have eroded Argentina’s naval capability, leaving its maritime territory, which is twice the size of its land area, increasingly vulnerable to illegal fishing fleets. As procurement modernisation slowly gains momentum under the Milei government, defence suppliers should take interest.
-
![SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?]()
SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?
At SAHA 2026, the Altay was proudly on display. But has the platform finally overcome the problems that have left it repeatedly late?
-
![Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028]()
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Saudi Arabia air focus: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air focus: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
