Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) welcomes the Government of Peru’s announcement to purchase 12 new F-16 Block 70 multirole fighter aircraft to modernize the nation’s fighter fleet and strengthen its national defense capabilities. The F-16 will provide Peruvian Air Force with a proven, highly capable and interoperable multirole fighter aircraft that enhances air sovereignty, supports regional security and enables long-term operational readiness. The acquisition marks a major step in the Peruvian Air Force’s fighter fleet transformation, reinforces a longstanding strategic partnership with the United States, and enables industrial collaboration opportunities.
The F-16V (Block 70/72 “Viper” upgrade) 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. It features advanced technology, radar, and weapons systems that give pilots better awareness and greater protection to achieve their mission and return home safe. With the selection of the F-16, Peru joins 29 other nations and a global fleet of more than 2,800 F-16s operating today. Peru’s fleet of F-16s will be produced at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
“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. 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 nations. Cooperation between U.S. and allied defense industrial bases has always been a shared source of security and economic benefit. These ties will continue to strengthen with Peru through the F-16 Block 70 program, fostering economic growth for all partners,” said Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
The Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper is a family of new and upgraded single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft developed from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.[4] Improvements over the F-16 include the APG-83 AESA radar, upgraded avionics with a modern mission computer, enhanced cockpit displays, and electronic warfare suites such as the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft delivers fifth-generation fighter radar capabilities by leveraging hardware and software commonality with F-22 and F-35 AESA radars while extending service life and interoperability with stealth platforms.
