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Dassault Aviation Submits Preliminary Offer to Peru for Acquisition of 24 Rafale Multi-Role Aircraft.
As part of its air fleet modernization efforts, Peru recently initiated a selection process to replace its aging Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighter jets, which were retired due to difficulties in obtaining spare parts. The Peruvian government, with approval from the Ministry of Defense led by Walter Enrique Astudillo Chávez, confirmed an acquisition plan for 24 new aircraft. This project, estimated at around $2 billion and financed by a loan requested from the Banco de la Nación, aims to first acquire an initial batch of 12 jets.
The Rafale F4 represents the most advanced evolution of this versatile French combat aircraft, designed to meet the demands of modern missions and remain competitive in complex operational environments. (Picture source: French MoD)
Dassault Aviation has formally submitted a preliminary offer for its Rafale combat aircraft, joining Swedish Saab with the Gripen E/F and American Lockheed-Martin with the F-16V in the Peruvian competition. Although the selection process has not been formally launched, the three candidates have already submitted their initial proposals. The Chief of Staff of the Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú - FAP), General Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano, explained that eleven models were initially considered before the options were narrowed to the final three, taking into account costs, after-sales technical support, and the geopolitical origin of the equipment.
The FAP has set several requirements, including a maintenance program covering the first seven years of operation for the aircraft and direct and indirect industrial offsets aimed at supporting the national industry. Candidates will also need to ensure delivery of the initial aircraft approximately three years after contract signing. This timeline requirement could pose a challenge for Saab, which to date has delivered only 9 out of 36 Gripen jets ordered by the Brazilian Air Force in 2014, raising questions about its production capacity.
The Rafale F4 represents the most advanced evolution of this versatile French combat aircraft, designed to meet the demands of modern missions and remain competitive in complex operational environments. With remarkable adaptability enabled by its open architecture, the Rafale has evolved over the years. While the F1 standard offered only air-to-air capabilities, subsequent versions like F2 and F3 introduced air-to-ground capabilities, new sensor technologies, and even nuclear deterrence capability. Today, with the F4 standard, the Rafale enters a new era focused on network connectivity and enhanced strike power, designed to dominate in increasingly contested environments.
The F4.1 standard, in particular, marks a significant milestone with the integration of the Scorpion helmet-mounted display. This innovative system directly transmits essential tactical information to the pilot's field of view, offering a form of augmented reality that improves responsiveness and engagement accuracy. This system allows the pilot to quickly synchronize cockpit data with the external situation, thus facilitating the acquisition and engagement of enemy targets with unmatched effectiveness.
The Rafale F4 is equipped with an RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which greatly enhances the detection and interception of air and ground targets. With front-sector optronics and the Talios pod, providing real-time, detailed terrain views even in challenging weather conditions, the F4 ensures enhanced tactical surveillance. Alongside these detection capabilities, the Rafale F4’s armament is optimized for modern operations, including AASM-GBU bombs, the SCALP cruise missile, and the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile. The addition of a one-ton AASM bomb enhances its attack capability, allowing it to hit highly protected targets at a safe distance with formidable effectiveness.
The SPECTRA protection system, which serves as the aircraft's electronic shield, has also been improved to offer the Rafale F4 increased operational freedom, enabling safe penetration beyond enemy lines while deterring adversary defense systems. The aircraft is thus designed not only as a versatile fighter but also as a formidable asset in electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
From a technical standpoint, the Rafale F4 measures 15.3 meters in length, with a wingspan of 10.8 meters and a height of 5.3 meters. Powered by two M88 engines, it can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and climb to an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet. Its 9.5-ton payload capacity, distributed across 14 hardpoints, provides flexibility for tailoring its armament to specific mission requirements.
In a context marked by several Latin American countries’ interest in modernizing their air forces, Peru's decision will be closely watched, especially as Colombia is conducting a similar process to replace its Kfir fighters.