The official logo of the Peruvian Air Force Escuadron Aereo 112
One of 17 Sukhoi SU-25 of the Peruvian Air Force of which only five aircraft remain operational
Pilots from the Escuadron Aereo 112 showing off the strength of the multiple ordnance wing mounted pylons
One of Escuadron Aereo 112 Sukhoi SU-25 shown in their new gray tactical paint scheme. Currently only five SU-25 have undergoing the change in their paint schemes.
The Peruvian Sukhoi SU-25 fleet in their better days
The Sukhoi SU-17 "Swing-Wing" Fighter Bomber NATO code name "Fitter" which as replaced by the Sukhoi SU-25 "Frogfoot"
AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: AIRFORCES, Inc. (AFI) established contacts with the (Fuerza Aerea de Peru - FAP) through the Peruvian Permanent Mission of Peru to the United States in New York City to inquire about their Air Force fleet of Sukhoi SU-25. Our initial contact at the Mission was with Ms. Marita Puertas, First Secretary to the Mission who kindly directed (AFI) to Vice Admiral Jorge de la Puente, Counsellor (Peacekeeping affairs).
Admiral de la Puente was most generous with his time during our phone interview and provided (AFI) with a good insight into the current operational condition of his country air force Sukhoi SU-25 fleet. In conversation with the Peruvian Permanent Mission, (AFI) was also able to confirm certain data concerning the (Fuerza Aerea de Peru - FAP) that (AFI) learned from various Ex-FAP personnel who now reside in Miami, Florida and who (AFI) interviewed.
According to Admiral de la Puente, the Peruvian fleet of Skhoi SU-25 Frogfoots, purchased in 1997 of which are operated by the Escauadron Aereo 112 are in poor operational condition. According to the Peruvian Permanent Mission in New York City a lack of budget for maintenance and corrosion control are the main problems that has plagued the fleet for sometime now.
The Escuadron Aereo 112 is home based at the El Plato, Talara base and the lack of proper hangar facilities at the base and exposure to the elements is one of the main cause for the fleet wide corrosion problem. The second-hand aircraft were purchased from the Republic of Belarus for a cost of about 150-165 million dollars. During its operational history of the unit one SU-25 was lost in 2006. Three of the fleet aircraft were built in 1987, six in 1988, two in 1990 and three were produced in 1991.
Admiral de la Puente advised (AFI) that the Peruvian Ministry of Defense has evaluated a proposal from the Sukhoi Corporation to refurbish the Peruvian fleet of SU-25's with each aircraft having a refurbishing cost of about US$10 million dollars.
It should be noted that the Sukhoi SU-25 of the 112 Escaudron replaced the Sukhoi SU-17 which was a Soviet "Swing Wing" fighter bomber and which NATO code named "Fitter".
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