Peruvian Air Force

The Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú, FAP) is structured to project power and defend the nation's sovereignty, with its organization based on a system of numbered Air Wings (Alas Aéreas) geographically distributed across the country. These wings, located in key regions such as Piura, Chiclayo, Lima, and Arequipa, command various air groups responsible for combat, transport, training, and support operations. This decentralized structure allows for rapid response to threats in different environments, from coastal plains to the Andean mountains and Amazon basin.

Historically, the FAP’s strategic doctrine has focused on maintaining a credible deterrent against neighboring states, a posture shaped by past border conflicts. A key mission is ensuring air superiority and providing close air support to ground forces. The FAP also plays a significant role in internal security, providing air mobility for counter-insurgency operations, and participates in disaster relief efforts. Analysis of past engagements, such as the Cenepa War of 1995, revealed deficiencies in joint doctrine, intelligence, and electronic warfare, which has influenced subsequent planning.

The FAP's operational capability has been hampered by an aging fleet, particularly its primary combat aircraft. Maintenance issues and difficulties in sourcing spare parts have degraded readiness. To address this, a major program involves the acquisition of 24 advanced multirole fighters to replace its legacy Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fleets. The main contenders for this contract include the Dassault Rafale, Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, and the Saab Gripen E/F. This planned procurement underscores a strategic shift towards acquiring modern platforms with advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and compatibility with Western or diverse operational doctrines. Beyond fighters, modernization extends to the transport and tanker fleets to improve logistical reach and strategic mobility, including the recent acquisition of KC-130H Hercules tankers.