Tulum Air Show 2026: Mexican Air Force seeks to acquire new combat aircraft to replace F-5 Fleet

The FAM announced it is in the process of replacing its Northop F-5 fleet. The force is looking to acquire 12 new fighters by 2028. (Inigo Guevara)

The Mexican Air Force (FAM) has begun the process of replacing its current fleet of Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighter aircraft.

General Roman Carmona Landa, commander of the FAM, told Janes via translator in a 25 April interview, that the force was looking to procure 12 new fighters by 2028.

Gen Carmona explained at the Tulum Air Show 2026, “the F-5 constitutes Mexico's highest capability, but it's an older technology and we are planning their replacement in the short to medium term. We are considering different options such as the Lockheed Martin F-16 or Saab Gripen and even ... [platforms] in the light combat aircraft category, with the KAI FA-50 from South Korea and the Leonardo M-346 from Italy”.

Gen Carmona said the FAM is specifically “looking for an aircraft that can provide air defence as well as reconnaissance and ground attack duties”.

Moreover, he said the FAM is in the process of procuring two Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 cargo aircraft and 11 Sikorsky UH-60M utility helicopters from Lockheed Martin, three Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft from Textron, as well as strategic-level remote piloted aircraft (RPA) and ground-based air surveillance radars.

Since 2013, the Mexican armed forces have acquired Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II tactical support aircraft and UH-60M helicopters to replace Swiss Pilatus 54 PC-7 and Finish Valmet L-90TP armed aircraft as well as Russian Mi-17 helicopters.