Mexico Plans to Replace Aging F-5s

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Mexico purchased about a dozen F-5s from Northrop in the 1980s, but only five or six of these aircraft are still operational, mostly used for air patrol missions.

Mexican military officials had previously tried to replace the aircraft with American F-16s, but economic problems prevented the plan from being implemented. Several other modernization projects fell through in the following years.

Meanwhile, the maintenance and repair of the F-5s was handed over to the Swiss company RUAG, but the company has recently been embroiled in a case related to financial irregularities and possible fraud in repair contracts, which has increased pressure to abandon the aging fighters.

Now, the Mexican Air Force commander has announced that a program to purchase at least 12 new fighter jets has begun, to have the new planes in service by 2028. According to the Mexican military, the new fighter jets must be capable of performing air defense, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions.

Among the options being considered are several well-known aircraft such as the American F-16 Viper, the Swedish Gripen AF fighter, the Korean F-50, and the Italian Mi-346 fighter.

However, reports suggest that the American F-16 has a better chance of winning the competition, especially since Mexico recently ordered a C-130 transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin.