Peru officially ordered F-16 Block 70 fighters to update its air forces, and possibly a period has been put in epic that began back in 2012 with candidate selection start.
Confirmed that firm agreement was nevertheless signed April 20 despite previous official denials. U.S. embassy in country reported contract signing, stating it occurred with Peruvian leadership knowledge and authorized persons.
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Government also distributed official document about first payment for fighters amounting to $462 million. At the same time, this involves contract for 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters for $2 billion, of which $420 million should go to necessary equipment and outfitting.
In other words, complex price of one F-16 Block 70 in Peru delivery is $166 million. Contract also provides possibility to purchase another 12 aircraft for $1 billion later. If this order is made, price per F-16 will decrease to $145.8 million. This considering Washington initially formed sales authorization with $285 million price per F-16.
Overall, purchase proceeded despite genuine chaos in Peru political circles. On April 17, Peru President José María Balcázar stated he does not want to take responsibility for fighter purchase and will not let government do this. This was met with enormous criticism wave within country's government itself and even threats from U.S. ambassador to Peru.
Already after signing announcement, Peru defense and foreign affairs ministers simultaneously resigned. Currently Peruvian media writes country's president may face impeachment, despite leaving his position in July this year.
Should recall that in finale against American F-16 Block 70 proposal were also Swedish Gripen and French Rafale. Swedes held on to opportunity to conclude this deal until the last moment. Only when process finally became politicized did Saab independently withdraw from competition issuing ultimatum and also did not announce its final fighter price proposal.
At the same time, final F-16 proposal for Peru is genuinely quite competitive from price perspective. Moreover, U.S. embassy announced they will specifically integrate two weapon types into fighter for Peru that were not previously in F-16 arsenal. However, they did not specify which specific weapons are involved.
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