While some international media are busy announcing the definitive retirement of the MiG-29 fighters, nothing has been said in the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) regarding the retirement or sale to third parties of the emblematic fighter-bombers of Russian origin. Offers have been received, such as that of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), which proposed to sell them in exchange for U.S.-origin equipment, an idea that did not go beyond the headlines.
Peru is hardly in the habit of reselling its weapons systems after decommissioning them, although when it has had some material available it has been the object of interesting commercial proposals. Like the one that came from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, two decades ago, interested in a handful of the deactivated Dassault Mirage 5P/DP, “as they were and where they were”, a project that did not prosper.
However, there is a positive precedent in 2000, when the FAP managed to transfer six of its Embraer Tucano AT-27s, in flying condition, to the Força Aérea Nacional de Angola (FANA), a deal that later brought legal problems to those who participated in it.
Returning to the “Fulcrum”, what is known is that the FAP is advancing in the development of its replacement plans for a more modern and capable vector, and is still waiting for the political decision of the central government that will allow it to have the necessary funds to carry them out.
The first achievements will probably be seen at the level of strengthening transport aviation, considering what was said a few days ago by the Minister of Defense, to purchase multipurpose helicopters and general cargo aircrafts and use them in case of disasters. This would be a step prior to more important acquisitions, where in the combat segment the decision is to go for new platforms from prestigious manufacturers, which allow a long and safe operation, as is the case of the Mirage 2000P/DP, with 40 years of service.
For now, Commander General Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano focuses his efforts on promoting the recovery of the available air fleet, and updating it technologically with the support of SEMAN Peru, as is the case with the Sujoi Su-25. And also to improve the professional training of all personnel, so that they are ready to operate the modern systems that will arrive, which includes sending specialists to Europe, the United States and other more advanced countries to perfect their skills.
Meanwhile, the aircraft that were a key deterrent factor in resolving the border conflict with Ecuador almost 30 years ago in Peru’s favor are still sleeping in their concrete sheds at the air base in Chiclayo, 770 kilometers north of Lima, the Peruvian capital.
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