Peruvian Air Force (FAP)

Peruvian Air Force • Fuerza Aérea del Perú (FAP)
PERUVIAN AIR FORCE • Fuerza Aérea del Perú (FAP)
Peruvian Air Force 9,500 Personnel.
Forces by Role & Equipment by Type (incl Air Defence units)
• AIRCRAFT 47 combat capable. Total 148 Aircraft.
Fighter
1 squadron with 8 Ftr Ac:
- 6 Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum (S/SE/SMP models).
- 2 Mikoyan MiG-29UBM Fulcrum (Two-seat training version).
Fighter / Ground Attack
1 squadron with 11 FGA Ac:
- 9 Dassault Mirage 2000P.,
- 2 Dassault Mirage 2000DP (Two-seat training version).
Ground Attack
3 squadrons with 28 Atk Ac:
- 20 Cessna A-37B Dragonfly.,
- 2 Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot.,
- 6 Sukhoi Su-25UB Frogfoot (Training variant).
Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
1 (Photo-survey) squadron with 6 Recce Ac:
- 2 Learjet 36A.,
- 3 Fairchild SA-227-BC Metro III (C-26B).,
- 1 Turbo Commander.,
Tanker
1 unit with 2 Lt Tkr Ac:
- 2 Lockheed KC-130H Hercules.,
Transport (Medium / Heavy)
Multiple units with 9 Tpt Ac:
- 4 Alenia C-27J Spartan (8 more on order).,
- 3 Lockheed L-100-20 Hercules.,
- 1 Antonov An-32 Cline.,
- 1 Boeing 737 (Executive/Transport variant).
Transport (Light / Utility)
Multiple units with 20 Lt Tpt Ac:
- 15 de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter (including Series 400).,
- 2 Beechcraft King Air 360.,
- 1 Beechcraft Baron.,
- 1 Piper PA-34 Seneca.,
- 1 Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter.,
• HELICOPTER 16 combat capable. Total 34 Helicopter.
Attack Helicopter
1 squadron with 16 Atk Hel:
- 16 Mil Mi-24/25/35 Hind.,
Transport / Multi-role Helicopter
Multiple units with 14 Tpt Hel:
- 9 Mil Mi-17/171 Hip (8 more on order).,
- 3 Bell 212 / 412 Twin Huey.,
- 2 MBB Bo-105.,
Training
Multiple squadrons with 67 Trg Aircraft:
- 19 KAI KT-1P Woong-Bee.,
- 10 CH-2000 Alarus (7 more on order).,
- 19 Embraer EMB-312 Tucano (Primary role: Drug interdiction and Training).
- 5 Aermacchi MB-339A.,
- 3 Zlin 242L.,
- 1 Piper PA-44.,
- 6 Enstrom 280 (2 more on order).,
- 4 Hughes 269.,
• Air Defence (SAM)
6 battalions with:
- S-125 Pechora (RS-SA-3 Goa).
Capabilities & Role:
The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) is primarily tasked with maintaining territorial integrity, border security, and supporting counter-insurgency and counter-narcotics operations, particularly against the Shining Path in the VRAEM region. As of 2026, the force operates a diverse inventory consisting of a mix of Western and Russian technology, much of which is increasingly ageing.
Modernization efforts have recently prioritized the transport and tanker fleet, highlighted by the acquisition of C-27J Spartan tactical airlifters and second-hand KC-130H tankers from Spain to improve strategic mobility and disaster relief capabilities. The indigenous defense industry, specifically through the aviation firm SEMAN, continues to play a vital role in maintenance and the final assembly of specialized platforms like the KT-1P trainer. Despite its regional standing, the FAP continues to navigate fiscal constraints and maintenance challenges associated with its legacy fighter aircraft.
(28.02.2026)
|