Peru has gained an active-radar-guided beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile capability, a move which could force the USA to rethink supply of Raytheon AIM-120s to the region.
Peru's capability will strengthen the hand of Chile and other Latin American countries which have repeatedly sought similar capabilities from the USA. Washington has always declined such approaches, not wishing to release AMRAAM until a comparable system enters service in the region.
Local television pictures, taken at a VIP demonstration earlier this year, show Vympel R-77 (RVV-AE/AA-12 Adder) missiles alongside a Peruvian air force RSK MiG-29 Fulcrum. Although it is not clear whether the missile is an operational or training round, the pictures confirm Russian claims that it has sold the weapon to Peru.
The fighter appears to be one of three MiG-29SEs acquired by Peru from Russia in 1998; part of a support deal for other Russian fighters that had been acquired from Belarus in 1995. Russia had refused to support the initial aircraft as they were not acquired from the manufacturer. Peru went on to order 30 R-77s in 1999.
Brazil and Chile are both seeking BVR missiles. Santiago requested such weapons for its pending Lockheed Martin F-16 acquisition and has integrated the Rafael Derby BVR missile on its Israeli-upgraded NorthropF-5s. Integrating the missile with the F-16, however, may depend on Washington's support. Brazil is looking to equip its upgraded F-5BRs with such a capability and the winner of its F-X new fighter competition is also likely to be delivered with BVR missiles.
Source: Flight International
