Peru May Have Quietly Signed Its F-16 Deal

 

After more than a decade of evaluations, delays and political twists, Peru’s long-running fighter replacement program may have reached a final point—just not in the way many expected. Multiple defense outlets, including Zona Militar and Pucará Defensa, now suggest that the government has moved forward with the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70, potentially signing a contract away from the public eye.

According to these reports, the deal would cover an initial batch of aircraft—commonly cited as ten single-seat F-16C and two two-seat F-16D variants—forming the first phase of a broader modernization effort for the Peruvian Air Force. The selection itself is not surprising. The F-16 had long emerged as the leading contender, competing against platforms such as the Dassault Rafale and the Saab Gripen E, with geopolitical alignment and operational familiarity often cited as decisive factors.

What makes the situation unusual is the apparent contradiction between these reports and recent public messaging. Only days earlier, officials had indicated that the decision might be postponed, potentially leaving it to the next administration. Yet now, specialized media point to a possible reversal—one that may have culminated in a discreet signing process, reportedly conducted “behind closed doors.”

Crucially, there has been no formal announcement from the Peruvian government, nor confirmation from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the aircraft. Details regarding the total value of the contract, delivery timelines, configuration of the fleet, or potential industrial offsets remain unclear. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation about whether a full contract has indeed been signed, or whether the agreement is still at an advanced but not yet final stage.

Such ambiguity is not entirely unprecedented in defense procurement, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. Large acquisitions can be delayed, reshaped, or quietly advanced depending on internal dynamics, budgetary pressures, and external geopolitical considerations. In Peru’s case, domestic instability and competing priorities may have influenced both the timing and the manner in which the decision has unfolded.

For now, the situation remains in a grey zone. The convergence of reports from multiple specialized outlets suggests that something significant has happened. However, without official confirmation, the status of the deal remains technically unverified.

What seems increasingly clear is that the momentum is firmly behind the F-16. Whether already signed or still pending formalization, Peru appears closer than ever to introducing a new generation of fighter aircraft—marking the most important upgrade of its combat aviation capability in decades.

🇩🇪 Germany’s First F-35A Enters Final Assembly Phase

(Image: Lockheed Martin)

Germany’s F-35 program continues to move forward, with the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Luftwaffe reaching a key production milestone. The jet has now entered the final assembly phase at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas facility.

After progressing through the mile-long production line, the aircraft was lifted by an overhead crane into the final assembly station.

At this stage, the airframe has been structurally completed, with its wing, forward fuselage, center fuselage and aft fuselage joined.

These sections were aligned and integrated using an advanced electronic mate and alignment system, supported by laser-guided tooling—one of the defining features of F-35 production.

For the first time, the aircraft is in a “weight-on-wheels” configuration, marking a visible step toward completion.

During final assembly the engine will be installed, control surfaces will be added and final onboard systems will be integrated. 

Following final assembly, the aircraft will undergo painting and surface finishing and application of its low-observable (stealth) coating

These steps will prepare the jet for its first flight and official rollout, expected later this year.

This aircraft is one of the first eight German F-35As currently in production. Major assembly for these jets began in December 2024 at the Marietta, Georgia facility.

The German F-35 Program in Context

Germany finalized a contract in December 2022 to acquire 35 F-35A aircraft, in a deal valued at approximately €10 billion, including aircraft and engines, mission systems and weapons and support equipment and training and logistics

The F-35A will replace Germany’s aging Tornado fleet and ensure continuity of key operational roles within NATO, including the nuclear-sharing mission.

Key program elements:

• Main operating base: Büchel Air Base
• Initial pilot training: Ebbing Air National Guard Base
• First deliveries: expected between 2026 and 2027
• Full operational capability: around 2030
• Industrial Participation and Local Integration

Germany is also working to expand its role within the F-35 industrial ecosystem with development of local industrial capabilities, participation in component manufacturing and involvement of companies such as Rheinmetall in fuselage-related production.

Potential Expansion of the Fleet

Recent reports suggest that Berlin is considering expanding its F-35 fleet beyond the initial 35 aircraft.

Some sources indicate discussions that could lead to the acquisition of additional jets, potentially doubling the fleet size. However, no final decision has been confirmed.

The entry of Germany’s first F-35A into final assembly marks a significant step in the program’s timeline. Beyond its industrial importance, it signals steady progress toward the introduction of a new generation capability within the Luftwaffe.

As production advances and deliveries approach, attention will increasingly shift from manufacturing to operational integration.

Mexico Selects the C-130J Super Hercules: A Major Step in Latin American Airlift Modernisation

Mexico has officially become the first Latin American country to acquire the C-130J Super Hercules, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of its tactical airlift capability. The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) confirmed the procurement of at least one C-130J-30, with indications that additional aircraft could follow as part of a broader fleet renewal programme. 

The decision places Mexico among a growing group of global operators transitioning from older Hercules variants to the latest-generation J-model, which offers improvements in payload, efficiency, avionics, and mission flexibility.

Replacing an Ageing Transport Fleet

The FAM has operated various C-130 variants for more than five decades, relying on them for disaster relief, troop transport, humanitarian aid, and logistical support across Mexico’s vast territory. However, much of this fleet is now approaching the limits of its economical service life.

By selecting the C-130J-30, the stretched version of the platform, Mexico is prioritising:

• Greater payload and cargo volume
• Improved range and endurance
• Reduced operating costs
• Modern digital avionics and flight systems

This approach allows the FAM to retain logistical and training continuity while significantly improving operational output, avoiding the steep learning curve associated with transitioning to a completely new aircraft family. 

Mexico’s competition reportedly included Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, a modern jet-powered transport that has gained traction in several air forces. However, continuity, infrastructure compatibility, and long-standing operational familiarity appear to have favoured the Hercules.

Operational Significance for Mexico

The acquisition strengthens Mexico’s ability to conduct:

• Rapid disaster response operations
• Humanitarian assistance missions
• Military logistics and troop deployment
• Internal security and counter-narcotics support

Given Mexico’s frequent exposure to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, airlift remains a core national security capability rather than a purely military asset. The C-130J’s performance in short, unprepared runways and adverse weather conditions is especially relevant for operations in remote or damaged infrastructure zones.

The arrival of a US Air Force C-130J at Toluca International Airport in January 2026 triggered intense political debate inside Mexico, amid heightened sensitivities over US-Mexico security cooperation. The Mexican government clarified that the aircraft was involved in joint training activities, not operational deployment, under previously approved bilateral agreements. 

This episode highlights how airlift platforms have become politically symbolic, especially amid regional security tensions and debates over sovereignty. Against this backdrop, Mexico’s independent procurement of its own C-130J fleet reinforces national autonomy in strategic mobility, reducing reliance on foreign logistical support.

Regional and Strategic Implications

Mexico now becomes Latin America’s reference operator for the C-130J, potentially influencing future procurement decisions across the region. Several air forces are currently seeking to replace legacy transport fleets, and Mexico’s operational experience could shape upcoming competitions.

The move also reflects a broader trend across the Americas:

• Increased focus on disaster-response readiness
• Greater emphasis on interoperabilitywith US and NATO-standard systems
• Rising importance of strategic mobility for internal security operations

Mexico’s choice of the C-130J is best understood as a strategic continuity decision, prioritising reliability, familiarity, and operational readiness over technological disruption.

While alternatives such as the C-390 offer attractive performance metrics, the Hercules remains a benchmark for tactical airlift resilience, particularly in complex terrain and disaster relief scenarios. For Mexico, whose airlift fleet must operate across deserts, jungles, mountains, and disaster zones, this conservative approach appears operationally sound.

Rather than a revolutionary upgrade, this acquisition represents a calculated evolution, ensuring that Mexican air mobility remains robust, flexible, and politically sovereign well into the 2030s.

Lockheed Martin's A330MRTT Variant No Longer in U.S. Air Force Tanker Aircraft Contest

Lockheed Martin has announced its withdrawal from the forthcoming U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft construction competition. The company had previously entered the competition in September 2021 in collaboration with Airbus, proposing their LMXT variant, which is a modified version of Airbus's Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) based on the A330 aircraft, originally manufactured in France and Spain.

"Lockheed Martin has decided not to respond to the Request for Information (RFI) for the recapitalization of the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 fleet. We are transitioning the LMXT team and resources from Lockheed Martin to new opportunities and priority programs within Lockheed Martin, including the development of air refueling solutions in support of the U.S. Air Force's Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) initiative. We remain committed to the accelerated delivery of advanced capabilities that enhance the U.S. Air Force's air refueling missions," the company stated.

In early February 2022, Lockheed Martin's top management revealed plans for the production of their forthcoming LMXT strategic tanker aircraft. This manufacturing initiative is set to take place in Mobile, Alabama, and Marietta, Georgia. The LMXT was initially introduced as Lockheed Martin's proposal for the U.S. Air Force's KC-Y "Bridge Tanker" program, starting in September 2021.

The LMXT marks the most recent development in Lockheed Martin's extensive legacy spanning over 60 years in the production and supply of tanker and large aircraft. These aircraft have been pivotal for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and have been used by numerous operators across the globe.

Drawing from the battle-tested blueprint of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the LMXT capitalizes on the established performance and capabilities of this strategic tanker aircraft. This particular model has been selected by 14 nations for the purpose of refueling various aircraft, including combat, transport, and maritime patrol planes, both for the U.S. and allied nations.

Related:

South Korea receives second A330 MRTT

France receives first A330 MRTT Phénix tanker-transport aircraft

The Singapore air force’s first Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has arrived in the country.

Spain Awards Lockheed Martin $519m For F-110 5 Aegis & SPY-7 Radar Systems

The U.S. Navy, on behalf of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer Spain, has awarded Lockheed Martin a $519.1 million contract to support AEGIS and SPY-7 systems for the future F-110 frigates of the Spanish Navy.
The contract covers the procurement of AEGIS fire control loop development, Solid State S-Band Radar Processing Group, tools and test equipment, and spares for five new multi-mission frigates operating the AEGIS combat system.This FMS contract will support the in-development Bonifaz-class (F-110) Frigates of the Spanish Navy and their SPY-7 radar.
The contracted work will be performed mostly in the US and is expected to be completed by April 2030.
Spain is obligating $90.7 million in FMS funding at the time of the award.
Navantia and the Spanish Ministry of Defense have signed the contract for the construction of five F-110 frigates for the Spanish Navy in April 2019.
F-110 frigates are set to replace the Spanish Navy’s Santa Maria-class frigates which have been in service for over 30 years. F-110 frigates will be fitted with the Aegis combat system integrating a new solid-state S-band radar by Indra. Lockheed Martin and Indra have been collaborating since 2009 to develop a state-of-the-art S-band solid state radar for Spain’s F-110 Frigate Program.
navalnews

Lockheed looks to sell additional F-16s to customers in Africa, Asia and South America

Lockheed Martin anticipates another wave of international F-16 sales, with countries from Africa, South America and Southeast Asia among those interested in purchasing the jet.
Unlike the F-35 program, which is seeing disruption within its supply chain that could delay future deliveries, the F-16 production line has experienced little impact as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
defensenews

US awards Lockheed $512 million for Bulgarian F-16 production

The US government has awarded Lockheed Martin $512 million to produce eight F-16 Block 70 fighters for Bulgaria.
The project is expected to be completed by 31 January 2027, says the US Department of Defense in a contract announcement.
The work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas and at Lockheed’s new F-16 line in Greenville, South Carolina.
Sofia approved the deal in July 2019. The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package includes six single-seat aircraft and a pair of two-seat aircraft.
The new fighters – Bulgaria’s biggest military procurement since the fall of Communism – will be used to replace its ageing fleet of RAC MiG-29s, which were delivered in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The original FMS deal, announced in June 2019, totals $1.67 billion. In addition to the eight fighters, it also includes a broad range of sensors, weapons, training devices, software, training, support, and spares.
flightglobal

PRODUCTION OF US MILITARY PLANES KEEPS ON DESPITE COVID 19

The Pentagon has started a daily dialogue with its top vendors as it attempts to measure and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the defense industry. Meanwhile, Boeing and Lockheed Martin said production on major acquisition systems like the KC-46 tanker and F-35 strike fighter will continue.
Boeing has directed all staff who can telecommute during the pandemic to do so; however, production and fabrication on the KC-46, F-15, F/A-18, and T-7 continue, with enhanced hygiene on the production line.
Similarly, production of the F-35 will continue despite temporary line stoppages in Italy and Japan, and the Pentagon is staying in regular contact with its top vendors.
Italy’s F-35 Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility closed March 16 and 17 for a “deep cleaning,” according to a source familiar with the program, but production of parts and other line activities will resume on March 18. Japan’s F-35 FACO in Nagoya also was closed March 9-13, but is back up and running again, sources said. One reported that Nagoya, run by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was already well ahead of its production goals so there should be “no impact” from the temporary stand-down.
Lockheed is not anticipating “any significant impact on the supply chain” from its worldwide vendors, according to a source familiar with the program.
airforcemag

Turkey’s first F-35 officially to be delivered in ceremony June 21 despite US Senate opposition

A highly anticipated ceremony for the delivery of Turkey’s first two F-35 fighter jets from the United States will take place at the defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas on June 21, despite successive attempts by the U.S. Congress to block the supply of the new generation fighters to its NATO ally.
Lockheed Martin will conduct a rollout ceremony in Fort Worth and the jets will move on to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona where Turkish F-35 pilots and technicians will receive training.
Turkey has been a partner of the active development program of the U.S.-led multinational Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program since the early 2000s and plans to upgrade its air defense with around 100 F-35s in the next decade.
June 21’s ceremony will mark an historic milestone in this regard for the delivery of the first batch of F-35s to Turkey.
hurriyetdailynews

Finland’s HX program takes next step

The Finnish government has issued a request for quotation (RfQ) to four nations in order to find potential bidders for Helsinki’s HX fighter replacement programme.
Finland has requested bids from France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all of which responded to the request for information that was issued in 2016.
Those bidding for the replacement of the Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet are Boeing with its upgraded F/A-18E/F Super Hornet; Dassault with the Rafale; Eurofighter with the Typhoon; Saab with the Gripen; and Lockheed Martin with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
The government is seeking 64 aircraft with weapons and sensors, alongside support, training systems, and spares.
“To reduce the risk involved in the integration of different systems, the tenderers are requested to provide comprehensive solutions meeting the operational requirements,” the government said in a statement.
Finland will begin to phase out its Hornet fleet from 2025, and a selection of the replacement is expected to be made in 2021.
The next phase following the RfQ issue is to begin in the second half of 2019, when final offers will be negotiated with each of the bidders. The final quotations would be requested in 2020, the government said.
The bids will be assessed based on the ability to meet five military scenarios: counter-air; counter-land; counter-sea; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and long-range strike.
janes

Lockheed Martin to propose stealthy hybrid of F-22 and F-35 for Japan

Lockheed Martin Corp plans to offer Japan a stealth fighter design based on its export-banned F-22 Raptor and advanced F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
Lockheed has discussed the idea with Japanese defense ministry officials and will make a formal proposal in response to a Japanese request for information (RFI) after it receives permission from the U.S. government to offer the sensitive military technology.
The decision on whether to release parts of the highly classified aircraft designs and software to help Japan stay ahead of Chinese advances will test President Donald Trump’s promise to overhaul his country’s arms export policy.
The proposed aircraft “would combine the F-22 and F-35 and could be superior to both of them,” said one of the sources.
Japan, which is already buying the radar-evading F-35 to modernize its inventory, also wants to introduce a separate air superiority fighter in the decade starting 2030 to deter intrusions into its airspace by Chinese and Russian jets.
The country’s air force currently flies the F-15J, based on the Boeing F-15; and the F-2, based on the Lockheed Martin F-16.
reuters

France receives first C-130J transport

France's first Lockheed Martin C-130J was delivered to its Orléans air base on 22 December 2017.
Carrying the service registration 61-PO, the tactical transport is the first of four C-130Js being acquired by Paris. Its second airlifter will be received later this year, while a pair of KC-130J tanker/transports – needed to refuel combat helicopters in-flight – are to follow during 2019.
The first delivery followed the approval of type certification for the new-generation Hercules by France's DGA defence procurement agency, under a procurement approved in January 2016.
flightglobal

South Korea plans to buy 20 additional F-35

South Korea plans to buy an additional 20 F-35A stealth fighter aircraft from the United States,less than two months after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Seoul would be purchasing billions of dollars in new military equipment.
In 2014 South Korea formally announced a plan to buy 40 F-35As.
reuters

Third RAAF F-35 makes first flight

The Royal Australian Air Force’s third F-35A Lightning II, A35-003, has completed its first flight.
Photographer Carl Richards captured these images of A35-003 taking off on its first flight, from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, on December 1.
The aircraft is due to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in early 2018 to be used for pilot and maintainer training, before being permanently relocated to Australia in 2020.
A35-003, known to its manufacturer Lockheed Martin as AU-3, had its RAAF markings, including its 3 Squadron tail flashes, applied in early November, the final phase of the aircraft’s production process.
australianaviation

Israel declares F-35s ready for operations

The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday declared its initial squadron of nine F-35 stealth fighters ready for operational use, less than a year after the first two fifth-generation fighters were delivered to the country by the U.S. Air Force.
In a Dec. 6 announcement, the Israel Defense Forces noted that Israel is the only country besides the U.S. to declare operational capability for the F-35 — a weapon system that “enhances strategic and operational capabilities” and improves readiness “in a wide range of scenarios and threats in all arenas.”
While an early December initial operational capability had been long-planned by the Israeli Air Force and F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin, the announcement comes after multiple strikes in Syria attributed to the Israeli Air Force earlier in the week. In at least two attacks over a 72-hour period earlier in the week, the Syrian regime announced that it had launched surface-to-air missiles against Israeli aircraft.
Israel has not confirmed or denied its role in the recent Syrian attacks. Yet, it has publicly insisted it would act to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent presence in the war-torn country north of its border.
defensenews

UK military chief ‘sympathetic’ to cut in F-35 fighter jet order

Deputy chief of UK defence staff says move would reflect ‘reality of world we are living in’
One of the UK’s most senior military chiefs has suggested that Britain may cut the number of F-35 combat jets it buys in the future as pressure grows on its defence budget.
Despite a commitment to buy 138 F-35B Lightning II fighter jets from the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin, Lieutenant General Mark Poffley, deputy chief of the UK defence staff, told MPs on Tuesday that he was “sympathetic” to the idea that the overall number could eventually fall.
“That’s the reality of the world we are living in,” added Lt Gn Poffley.
Earlier Stephen Lovegrove, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence, revealed that the cost of an initial tranche of 48 F-35s could rise from £9.1bn in 2025 to £13bn in 2048.
The MoD said the extra £4bn was to cover the “whole life costs” of the planes including support costs, training and maintenance. It insisted that the UK was still committed to buying its full quota. “Our plan to buy 138 F-35 jets over the life of the programme has not changed, with only the US planning to buy more aircraft,” it said.
The F-35 jets will provide the main strike force for Britain’s two new aircraft carriers, the first of which, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is due to be officially commissioned into the Royal Navy on December 7.
ft

USA discussing F-35 sale to United Arab Emirates

The US government is discussing the potential sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters with the United Arab Emirates, the US Air Force’s vice chief of staff has confirmed.
After the Obama administration pushed back on a previous request from the UAE, the possibility of an F-35 sale appears to have gained renewed traction under President Donald Trump.
In an interview with reporters on the eve of the Dubai air show, Gen Stephen Wilson confirmed news reports on the preliminary discussions with the UAE.
flightglobal

Iraq receives three more US F16 fighter jets

Iraq's Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday that it has received three new F16 aircraft from the United States, bringing the total to 17 since Baghdad signed a nearly $2 billion purchase-deal with Washington in 2014.
The deal was for 36 fighter jets, but Iraq will receive only 34 since two crashed during training of Iraqi pilots in the United States.
The planes arrived at Balad airbase, north of the capital Baghdad, the ministry said in a short statement without giving more detail.
rudaw

1st Norway's F-35 Set To Arrive in country This Week

Norway can finally expect delivery of the first of its new F35 fighter jets from the US later this week. Three of the F35s are due to arrive on Thursday.
The new jets, ordered after years of political debate to replace Norway’s ageing fleet of F16s, make up what the Norwegian defense ministy describes as the country’s largest single acquisition ever made. They’re now expected to cost a whopping NOK 73 billion by the time all are delivered over the next seven years.
Plans call for six new F35s to be delivered every year until 2024. “This is all about the defense department’s ability to ensure Norsk sovereignty, also against future threats,” Gen Maj Morten Klever told news bureau NTB.
Norway’s defense minister and defense chief are due to be on hand at a formal takeover ceremony to be held at the fighter jets’ new base at Ørland next Friday, November 10.
newsinenglish

First French C-130J rolls out

The first of four Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transport aircraft for the French Air Force was rolled out from the Marietta production facility in Georgia on 20 October.
The aircraft was rolled out in front of the cameras for the first time after being painted in national colours and markings.
France has ordered two C-130J-30- and two KC-130J-variant aircraft for a combined USD170 million, that includes configuration changes to the former. The contracts are expected to be complete by 30 August 2020.
The French Air Force is purchasing four C/KC-130J aircraft to supplement its ageing Transall C-160s, and to compensate for delays to the Airbus Defence and Space A400M transport aircraft and the low availability of its current fleet of C-130Hs.
The rollout of the first aircraft came just two days after the deputy chiefs of defence staff of France and Germany agreed details of the countries joint C-130J squadron. Under the agreement, a joint air transport squadron consisting of four French and six German C-130Js based at the French airbase in Évreux, Normandy, will be set up, with initial operational capability scheduled for 2021 and full operational capability due in 2024.
janes