The Peru Air Force has reactivated the executive phase of the Public Investment Project called Recovery of Operational Capacity for the Support of Search, Assistance and Rescue (SAR) Operations, which aims to acquire 12 SAR (Search And Rescue) helicopters to modernize the inventory of Air Group No. 3, a unit based at the Callao Air Base. Which last June celebrated 51 years since its creation.
In the technical evaluation, the AW-139M was first, followed by the H145 and third the Bell 412. However, in the economic evaluation, the H145 turned out to be the most economical platform, followed by the Bell 412 and in third place the AW-139M as the most expensive alternative.
The acquisition of the SAR helicopters has not yet materialized because the Peruvian government has not yet transferred the corresponding budget item. However, General Carlos Chávez Cateriano, commander general of the FAP, has recently expressed confidence that the resources will be obtained quickly.
The Peru Air Force has updated the survey of the international market, confirmed a shortlist with three helicopters and announced that the purchase will be divided into two sub-lots of six helicopters each. The armed institute is waiting for the economic transfer to begin the corresponding selection process.