Peru has opted to cancel its intended purchase of the Yak-130 combat training aircraft from Russia, according to local defense sites.
Instead, the country will focus on acquiring more advanced fighter jets.
This decision, reported by infodefensa.com, is aimed at bolstering Peru’s defense capabilities in response to increasing regional tensions and evolving security threats.
The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) has planned the implementation of an international public tender for the acquisition of its next fighter aircraft in the coming months as it recognizes the necessity for state-of-the-art fighter jets capable of excelling in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The selection criteria will encompass factors such as compatibility with current systems, maintenance and operational expenses, and potential for technological advancements.
General Rodolfo Pereyra Cárdenas, Commander of the FAP, emphasized the importance of this, stating, “Our primary objective is to bolster our defense capabilities with aircraft that offer advanced combat performance and align with our long-term defense strategy.”
Initially, the Yak-130 was seen as a potential replacement for Peru's aging Aermacchi MB-339 and Mirage 2000 aircraft, offering a cost-effective solution suitable for both training and light attack duties.
However, changes in the security environment have led to a reconsideration of strategic priorities. The Peruvian Air Force is currently evaluating alternatives from multiple manufacturers, such as Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon and Saab's JAS 39 Gripen.
