While the country’s economic capacity to address the upcoming renewal of its combat aviation is being assessed, the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) continues to focus much of its efforts on revitalizing its transport aviation, which is crucial for the South American country due to its extensive and varied geography. This capacity, which had been impacted in recent years by various crises affecting the country, has begun to recover with significant effort and in response to the imminent El Niño weather phenomenon, which fortunately did not occur.
In his recent speech marking the institution’s anniversary, the FAP’s top leader, General Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano, clearly emphasized this commitment by highlighting progress in incorporating new units for these critical missions.
He first referred to the success achieved with the Level 300NG modernization project for the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300, involving two aircraft. This is a significant achievement, as these units, which have been operating in the Amazon since their arrival with Group No. 42, had been out of service for over eight years awaiting repairs.
Upon decision, SEMAN Perú took on the task of structural review and repair, parts replacement, and the installation of new components, including replacing the original engines with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines. The upgrade also includes modernizing the cockpit with three multifunction digital displays, a task carried out by the FAP’s Electronics Service (SELEC), as well as adding night flight capabilities.
Currently, one of these aircraft is flying in the north with Air Group No. 1, and the second is expected to be reintroduced before the end of 2024, assigned to Air Group No. 3 (Arequipa) in the south. General Chávez Cateriano stated that these aircraft will provide a reserve of 52,000 flight hours for various operations, including personnel transport, aeromedical evacuation, and high-value cargo transport.
Another noteworthy project is the refurbishment of two Lockheed KC-130H Hercules and one Boeing 737-500, also managed by SEMAN Perú engineers and technicians, a national company with extensive experience in both systems.
Together, these aircraft will enhance the FAP’s transport capability, currently based at Air Group No. 8 with a single, veteran Antonov An-32B, and especially with the four Leonardo C-27J Spartan aircraft. Regarding the latter, the FAP is awaiting the transfer of funds to proceed with the purchase of two additional units of the renowned Italian medium tactical transport aircraft.
Additionally, the FAP anticipates incorporating two Boeing 737-800 NG (Next Generation) aircraft, used with extended fuel capacity, which will restore the FAP’s international strategic projection. This is crucial as the current Boeing 737-500 “presidential” aircraft has limited range. This is a highly valued capability that the FAP had lost due to the lack of renewal of its assets, and successfully acquiring these aircraft will enable flights beyond neighboring countries.
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