Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 bn industrial and social collaboration package for Peru linked to its proposed F-16 Block 70 program, including plans to expand the country’s aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
The package includes opportunities for Peruvian companies to participate in Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain, alongside engineering training, fighter maintenance courses and the development of capabilities to support unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Under the proposal, Lockheed Martin would support the expansion of Peru’s high-tech MRO footprint through knowledge transfer and specialist training. The initiatives are intended to develop local expertise in aircraft maintenance and engineering while increasing the country’s ability to support advanced military platforms.
The proposed program also includes an Unmanned Aircraft System Technical Institute and joint research hubs, as well as domestic assembly of an unmanned aerospace vehicle for the Latin American market.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to building a long-term partnership that benefits Peru and its people, while strengthening its defense capabilities,” said Tara Lause, vice president of business development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership.”
The fighter-maintenance training would form part of a broader engineering and technical knowledge-transfer program associated with the F-16 Block 70. The proposed activities could give Peruvian personnel access to specialized training and help develop local capabilities required to maintain and support the aircraft over its service life.
Lockheed Martin also sees the F-16 program as an opportunity to develop Peru as a regional center for aerospace services and unmanned systems. The company said local firms could be integrated into its international supply chain through the proposed industrial collaboration activities.
“Lockheed Martin has proven industrial partnerships that build a skilled workforce, strengthen allied defense industrial bases, and drive economic growth,” Lause added. “With the F-16 Block 70, Peru is not just procuring the most advanced and capable fourth generation fighter – it is creating enduring alliances, military cooperation strength, and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and many other countries.”
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The F-16 has a global fleet of more than 2,800 aircraft operated by 29 countries. The Block 70 is the latest production variant and incorporates updated avionics, radar, and mission systems, along with an extended service life.
If implemented, the proposed MRO and training initiatives would provide Peru with additional capabilities to support the F-16 fleet locally while developing technical expertise that could also be applied to other military and unmanned aircraft platforms.
