The U.S. approved the sale of F-16 Block 70 fighters to Peru, which is also exploring options to modernize its air force with Saabs JAS-39 Gripen E/F and Dassault Aviation's Rafale.
The maximum price set by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) for 12 aircraft (10 single-seat, 2 two-seat) is $3.42 billion. This includes a basic weapons package of 12 AIM-120C-8 and 12 AIM-9X missiles, plus only two sets of spare parts (engines, radar, onboard computers, etc.).
Read more: How russia's Tu-160 Aircraft and Venezuela's Air Defense Pose a Threat to the U.S.
Thus, the cost per F-16 Block 70 under this approval is $285 million, confirming the exceptionally high price of these 4+ generation fighters almost identical to the $279 million per aircraft previously set for the Philippines.
Interestingly, this means the F-16 can cost more than an F-35. For comparison, Greece's recent F-35 sale for 40 aircraft totaled $8.6 billion, or about $215 million per jet.
With F-16 prices so high, countries may reconsider options. The Philippines looked at used Mitsubishi F-2s (an F-16 variant), while Peru might choose the cheaper Swedish JAS-39 Gripen E/F or French Rafale. Rafale's latest firm price for Serbia was €225 million, and Gripen for Thailand cost $138.25 million per unit (assuming existing infrastructure to save on additional equipment).
Local production in Brazil could influence Peru's choice, but the U.S. retains leverage through F414 engines for Gripen, whose supply could be slowed under ITAR regulations, as seen with Indias Tejas. Meanwhile, Rafale remains an independent choice from the U.S, though delivery slots are currently stretched up to nine years.
Read more: Greece May Skip F-16 Upgrades for More F-35 Opening Rare Opportunity for Ukraine
