The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, FAM) has formally launched a program to acquire 12 new combat aircraft by 2028, replacing its Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II light fighters, the service’s only supersonic interceptors, after more than four decades of operation.
FAM commander General Román Carmona Landa confirmed the program on April 25, 2026, at the Tulum Air Show, telling Janes that the F-5 “represents Mexico’s greatest capability, but it is old technology and we are planning its replacement in the short and medium term.” He said candidates include the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72, Saab JAS-39 Gripen E, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle, and Leonardo M-346FA.
Only six of the original 10 F-5E single-seat aircraft remain airworthy, along with two F-5F dual-seat trainers, according to Janes. The full force operates under Escuadrón Aéreo 401 (Air Squadron 401) at Military Air Base No. 1, Santa Lucía, north of Mexico City.
The F-16 Block 70/72, fitted with an APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a structural life of up to 12,000 flight hours, is considered the frontrunner, Zona militar reported. Mexico attempted to acquire F-16s in 2007 but the deal collapsed over budget constraints.
The F-16’s frontrunner status is complicated by worsening US-Mexico relations under Trump’s second term. A February 2026 White House executive order now requires foreign arms sales to align with US strategic interests and economic objectives.
That friction emerged regionally weeks before Carmona’s announcement, when the US ambassador to Peru posted on X threatening consequences after Lima briefly suspended signing of a $3.42 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract for 12 F-16 Block 70s.
If you deal with the U.S. in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests, rest assured, I, on behalf of @POTUS Trump and his administration, will use every available tool to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States and our region.
— Embajador Navarro (@USAmbPeru) April 17, 2026
Carmona also confirmed orders for two Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transports, with the first delivery expected in late 2027 or early 2028, and 11 Sikorsky UH-60M utility helicopters.
