The appointment of a new Minister of Defense, retired General Walter Astudillo Chávez, has sparked enthusiasm as he comes from the Peruvian Army. This perception is based on the fact that his arrival in office could mean the reactivation of several investment projects in favor of the oldest and largest of the Peruvian military institutions.
The reality is that the Army, despite the time elapsed and successive efforts, has still not been able to materialize its most ambitious technological modernization programs. For example, it’s no secret that its armored force still relies on what remains of the nearly 300 T-55 tanks received half a century ago from the USSR, which are now largely obsolete. And on a handful of French AMX-13 tanks, purchased new at the end of the 1960s, but which as of February 2024, despite certain improvements, have little to contribute on the 21st-century battlefield.
Let’s remember that between 2009 and 2013, offers were received for different models and manufacturers, including the Norinco MBT-2000 from the People’s Republic of China and the Ural Vagon Zavod T-90S from Russia. Both systems were in Lima where they underwent various field tests, anticipating a decision that, unfortunately, never came and probably won’t come in the near future.
Similarly, the long-awaited modernization or replacement of infantry combat rifles, currently constituted by hundreds of thousands of FN Herstal FAL veterans, has been put on hold.
Where the Army did succeed was in the purchase of FN SCAR-H and L for its special forces engaged in combat against the Sendero Luminoso gangs allied with drug trafficking in the central jungle.
Likewise, in equipment to meet the need for an adequate response to disasters – such as the announced El Niño Phenomenon – which included the purchase of MAN Military Vehicles Gmbh TGM and TGS models trucks, as well as rescue tools and equipment.
And in the repair and restoration to flight readiness of a large part of the Mil Moscow Helicopter Mil Mi-MTV-1 and Mi-171Sh-P helicopter fleet of the Army Aviation (AE).
However, the program to renew 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles was halted a few months ago, almost in its final phase, due to serious problems both in the form and substance of the purchase.
These and other are the pending tasks that the Peruvian Army, led by General of the Army César Augusto Briceño Valdivia, will need to address promptly, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes – credits Ministry of Defense and Peruvian Army.
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