Peru Selects Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, Strengthening Sovereignty and U.S. Partnership

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) announced Peru will purchase 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters to modernize its air force, strengthen sovereignty, and deepen U.S. partnership.

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) announced Peru will purchase 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters to modernize its air force, strengthen sovereignty, and deepen U.S. partnership. The jets will be produced in Greenville, South Carolina; Peru will join 29 other F-16 operators and a global fleet of > 2,800 aircraft.

Positive

• Order for 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters
• Production located in Greenville, South Carolina
• Peru joins 29 other F-16 operator nations
• Global F-16 fleet exceeds 2,800 aircraft

Negative

• None.

Argus Apr 23 session

-4.62% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – LMT

In the Apr 23 session, LMT declined 4.62%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights a meaningful F‑16 Block 70 win with Peru for 12 aircraft, reinforcing L...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a meaningful F‑16 Block 70 win with Peru for 12 aircraft, reinforcing Lockheed Martin’s role in regional security and long-term defense partnerships. In context, the company recently reported Q1 2026 sales of $18.0B with net earnings of $1.5B and free cash flow of - $291M, while reaffirming full-year sales guidance of $77.5–$80.0B. Investors may track how additional international orders, cash-flow recovery, and further partnership developments interact with broader aerospace and defense sector trends.

Key Figures

Peru F-16 order: 12 aircraft Q1 2026 sales: $18.0 billion Q1 2026 net earnings: $1.5 billion +5 more

Peru F-16 order

12 aircraft

Acquisition of new F-16 Block 70 fighters

Q1 2026 sales

$18.0 billion

Essentially flat vs Q1 2025

Q1 2026 net earnings

$1.5 billion

Down from $1.7 billion in Q1 2025

Q1 2026 diluted EPS

$6.44

Down from $7.28 in Q1 2025

Q1 operating profit

$2.1 billion

13% decline year-over-year

Q1 cash from operations

$220 million

Down from $1.4 billion in Q1 2025

Q1 free cash flow

-$291 million

Down from $955 million in Q1 2025

2026 sales guidance

$77.5–$80.0 billion

Full-year guidance reaffirmed in 8-K

Previous Partnership Reports

1 past event · Latest: Sep 09

Same Type 1 event

1. Sep 09

   Strategic partnership

   24h Move

   -0.5%

   Skunk Works–FalconWorks collaboration on uncrewed autonomous air systems.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

multirole fighter aircraft

1 terms

multirole fighter aircraft technical

"interoperable multirole fighter aircraft that enhances air sovereignty"

A multirole fighter aircraft is a military jet built to carry out several different combat tasks—such as fighting other aircraft, striking ground targets, gathering intelligence, and supporting electronic operations—without needing separate, specialized planes. Like a Swiss Army knife compared with many single-purpose tools, multirole fighters let militaries buy and operate fewer types of aircraft, which can lower procurement and support costs and create larger, more stable sales and service opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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GREENVILLE, S.C., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) welcomes the Government of Peru's announcement to purchase 12 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft to modernize the nation's fighter fleet and strengthen its national defense capabilities.

The F-16 will provide Peru with a proven, highly capable and interoperable multirole fighter aircraft that enhances air sovereignty, supports regional security and enables long-term operational readiness. The Block 70 is the newest and most capable F-16 ever built with the longest service life, lowest lifecycle cost, and strongest global support base of any fighter in production today. It features advanced technology, radar, and weapons systems that give pilots better awareness and greater protection to achieve their mission and return home safe.  

"Peru's choice of the F-16 underscores the aircraft's unmatched operational performance and combat record, as well as its ability to meet the most pressing defense requirements," said Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. "We are proud that the most advanced F-16 ever produced will help protect Peru's national sovereignty while strengthening the enduring partnership between our nations." 

The acquisition marks a major step in the Peruvian Air Force's fighter fleet transformation, reinforces a longstanding strategic partnership with the United States, and enables industrial collaboration opportunities.  

"Cooperation between U.S. and allied defense industrial bases has always been a shared source of security and economic benefit," added Shoemaker. "These ties will continue to strengthen with Peru through the F-16 Block 70 program, fostering economic growth for all partners."  

With the selection of the F-16, Peru joins 29 other nations and a global fleet of more than 2,800 F-16s operating today. Peru's fleet of F-16s will be produced at Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville, South Carolina.  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peru-selects-lockheed-martin-f-16-block-70-strengthening-sovereignty-and-us-partnership-302751865.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Lockheed Martin (LMT) announce about Peru on April 23, 2026?

Peru selected 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters for fleet modernization, strengthening defense capabilities. According to the company, the aircraft will be built in Greenville, South Carolina, and join a global fleet operating in 29 other nations.

How will the Peru F-16 order affect Lockheed Martin (LMT) production?

The aircraft will be produced at Lockheed Martin's Greenville facility, supporting domestic manufacturing jobs. According to the company, production expands industrial collaboration and sustained activity at the Greenville, South Carolina site.

What capabilities does the F-16 Block 70 provide Peru as stated by Lockheed Martin (LMT)?

The Block 70 offers advanced radar, weapons, and longer service life for multirole missions, enhancing sovereignty. According to the company, the jet emphasizes interoperability, lifecycle cost advantages, and improved pilot situational awareness.

How many nations and total aircraft operate the F-16 platform after Peru's selection?

Peru will join 29 other nations operating the F-16 platform, contributing to a global fleet of over 2,800 aircraft. According to the company, this underscores the F-16's wide international support base.