Peruvian Coast Guard Aviation

Peruvian Coast Guard Aviation • Dirección General de Capitanías y Guardacostas (DICAPI)

PERUVIAN COAST GUARD • Dirección General de Capitanías y Guardacostas (DICAPI)

Peruvian Coast Guard 1,000 Personnel (Personnel included in 24,000 Navy total).

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
(incl Coastal & River Patrol units)

• AIRCRAFT No combat capable. Total 3 Aircraft.

Transport (Light / Liaison) 1 unit with 3 ac:

• 1 de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter;
• 2 Fokker F-27 Friendship.

Principal Surface & Riverine Units

• Offshore Patrol (PSOH): 1 Carvajal class (modified Lupo class; capacity for 1 Bell 212/Sea King).
• Coastal Patrol (PCC): 10.
  • 6 Río Pativilca class;
  • 4 Río Nepeña class.
• Patrol Boat (PB): 12.
  • 6 Chicama class;
  • 2 Punta Sal class;
  • 1 Río Chira;
  • 3 Río Santa.
• Fast Patrol (PBF): 1 Río Itaya (Combat Boat 90).
• Riverine Patrol (PBR): 21.
  • 1 Río Viru;
  • 8 Parachique;
  • 12 Zorritos.
• Logistics & Support: 1 Puno (Hospital Ship).

Capabilities & Role

The Peruvian Coast Guard (DICAPI) is a branch of the Navy primarily tasked with maritime domain awareness, environmental protection, and counter-narcotics operations. Organized into three main command areas—Pacific, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon River—the force provides critical internal security and border surveillance in diverse geographical environments.

While DICAPI operates a small organic fleet of light transport aircraft for logistics and liaison, it relies heavily on the Peruvian Naval Aviation (AVINAV) for high-end Maritime Patrol (MPA) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) support. Modernization efforts for the Coast Guard are closely tied to the state-owned shipyard SIMA, which has been active in producing new coastal patrol vessels to replace ageing inventory. Despite its critical role in domestic security, the force continues to face fiscal constraints and challenges associated with maintaining legacy equipment.