Posted on 02/04/2013 12:00:16 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Spain offers Eurofighters to Peru
Spain's government has tendered a proposal to its Peruvian counterpart covering the possible sale of 18 Tranche 1 Eurofighter combat aircraft currently in service with its air force.
Reportedly valued at €45 million ($61 million) per aircraft, the proposal was submitted at the request of the Peruvian defence ministry. If negotiations go forward, the intention would be to transfer all of the fighters to Peru within one year of a contract signature. The airframes have flown an average of around 600h each, sources suggest.
Faced with a looming shortfall in its air defence capabilities, the Peruvian air force has placed requests for information for the Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, RAC MiG-35, Saab Gripen NG and Sukhoi Su-30/35.
Spanish air force
Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy visited Peru in mid-January, when the nation's proposal was formally submitted, although it is understood that it has been under discussion since November 2012.
Peru's 12 Dassault Mirage 2000P/DP fighters are the subject of a lengthy in-country overhaul, valued at $140 million. Nine aircraft have been returned to airworthy condition, but another $480 million would be needed to modernise the fleet to the enhanced Mirage 2000-5 standard.
A MiG-29 upgrade launched in late 2008 has experienced repeated delays, with eight so far modified for $106 million. Completing work on the other 11 will cost another $400 million.
Both types would be unlikely to remain in use beyond 2025, according to local media reports, which also suggest that just four of the nation's 18 Su-25 ground-attack aircraft are currently operational.
Was nice to watch the F-16s Chile bought flying all about in Antofagasta.
Guess Peru thinking the Euro will be some counterweighing means they don’t read or know their own history when it comes to their southern neighbors.
Peru would be best served by a mix of cheaper F-16s and more expensive (and more capable) FA-18s. F-16s could even be purchased used, and later upgraded with newer models, with FA-18s also added later. Of course, politics — and the bribery that is so common in arms sales — may dictate a different result.
Are those planes CPO (Certified Pre owned)? Those come with an additional one year warranty.
Seems like a rather odd story in a way. While the aircraft mentioned as being of interest are, for the most part, of the same “class”, (I suppose), they’re really quite different in capabilities. And quite different in price. I’m certainly glad I don’t have the responsibility for making the choice!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.