Mexico Fighter Jets: Air Force Eyes F-16s to Replace 1982 Fleet

Mexico · Defense Key Facts —Current fleet. Mexico operates only three aging Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, in service since 1982. —Program goal. The Air Force aims to buy about 12 new jets to restore air defense and ground-attack capabilities. —Frontrunner. The U.S.-made F-16 Block 70/72 Viper is considered the leading candidate despite its higher…