Peru Keeps Mirage 2000 Fighters Beyond 2030 as F-16 Block 70 Bridge

Peru's air force plans to retain its Dassault Mirage 2000 fighters beyond 2030 for air defense and pilot transition to the F-16 Block 70 fleet. Officials outlined the decision during the VII PROGEPAC program, citing remaining airframe hours and funding to maintain availability with selected improvements. The first 12 new F-16s are expected to form the initial batch of a planned 24-aircraft modernization, following retirement of Peru's MiG-29s. Continued Mirage operations therefore provide both an interim combat capability and a training bridge, with no fixed final retirement date announced for the French-built aircraft.