This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.

Peruvian Army Selects Beechcraft King Air 360C for Multi-Mission and Disaster Relief Operations

The Peruvian Army (Ejército del Perú) has officially selected the Beechcraft King Air 360C turboprop to bolster its multi-mission and disaster response capabilities. According to an April 7, 2026, press release from Textron Aviation, the new military aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2028. This acquisition marks a significant step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military transport and logistical fleets.

Equipped with a specialized cargo door, the King Air 360C is specifically configured to handle aeromedical evacuations (MEDEVAC), critical patient transport, and rapid humanitarian aid deployment. Textron Aviation noted that the aircraft’s generous payload capacity is designed to accommodate medical beds, life-support systems, and essential humanitarian cargo, making it an ideal platform for emergency response.

We note that this procurement aligns with a broader strategic initiative by the Peruvian Ministry of Defense. Under the leadership of Minister Walter Astudillo, the armed forces are increasingly prioritizing versatile platforms capable of navigating the country’s challenging geography and responding to frequent natural disasters.

Aircraft Capabilities and Strategic Fit

Addressing Peru’s Unique Geography

Peru’s highly diverse and rugged terrain presents unique logistical challenges for military and humanitarian operations. The country encompasses the dense Amazon rainforest, the high-altitude Andean mountains, and expansive coastal deserts. Furthermore, industry research highlights that Peru is highly vulnerable to severe natural disasters, including the El Niño climate phenomenon, earthquakes, and devastating forest fires. These environmental factors have driven the Ministry of Defense to seek highly adaptable, multi-role aircraft capable of operating in austere environments.

Comprehensive Offset and Training Program

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the new aircraft, Textron Aviation has included a comprehensive offset program in the agreement. According to the manufacturer’s press release, this initiative features an aeromedical project that will provide necessary medical beds and equipment. Additionally, the Peruvian Army will receive extensive training covering the installation, operation, and maintenance of the aircraft, including specialized instruction for engine and avionics technicians.

Fleet History and Proven Precedent

A Two-Decade Relationship

The Peruvian Army has a long-standing relationship with Textron Aviation, having operated the manufacturer’s aircraft for over 20 years. Historical fleet data indicates that the Army has previously utilized the Cessna Skylane, Skyhawk, Amphibian Caravan, Citation Excel, and earlier Beechcraft models such as the King Air 350 and 1900D. The Beechcraft King Air platform is particularly dominant in the region; market data shows that King Air models currently comprise 44% of Peru’s entire turboprop fleet.

Globally, the King Air family has a proven track record. Since its introduction in 1964, Textron Aviation reports that over 7,900 King Air aircraft have been delivered worldwide, accumulating more than 66 million flight hours. The platform remains the world’s best-selling business turboprop family and sees utilization across all branches of the U.S. military.

Following the Air Force’s Lead

The Army’s recent purchase follows the successful integration of similar aircraft by the Peruvian Air Force (FAP). According to regional defense reports, the FAP acquired two Beechcraft King Air 360CHW (Heavy Weight) aircraft, receiving the first unit in late 2024 and the second in 2025. By mid-2025, the FAP’s initial King Air had already completed over 100 aeromedical flights, saving more than 145 lives in remote areas.

During the 2025 induction of the Air Force’s King Air, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte emphasized the government’s commitment to these capabilities:

“With this… air ambulance, we continue strengthening our Air Force’s capacity to save lives… after decades of postponement, [our] government has decisively taken on the task of strengthening the Armed Forces’ operational capacity.”

Textron Aviation echoed this sentiment regarding the new Army contract. Bob Gibbs, Vice President of Special Mission Sales at Textron Aviation, stated in the company’s press release:

“Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft designed for special missions continue to demonstrate unmatched reliability in some of the world’s most demanding environments. The King Air 360C will give the Peruvian Army a versatile, enduring platform for critical care transport and disaster response, and we’re honored to support their national mission.”

AirPro News analysis

This acquisition underscores a growing “dual-use” military trend across Latin America. Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional combat capabilities, such as MEDEVAC, firefighting, and pandemic response. The King Air 360C perfectly fits this dual-use profile.

Furthermore, this contract highlights Textron Aviation’s aggressively expanding Special Missions division. Alongside the Peruvian agreement, the company has recently secured military orders for its Cessna SkyCourier in Belgium and Cessna Grand Caravans for intelligence and surveillance in Djibouti. These global contracts demonstrate a robust international demand for modified commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft within the defense sector, providing cost-effective and reliable solutions for varied military needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Peruvian Army’s new King Air 360C enter service?

According to Textron Aviation, the aircraft is expected to enter service with the Peruvian Army in 2028.

What are the primary missions for this aircraft?

The King Air 360C is configured for multi-mission operations, primarily focusing on aeromedical evacuations (MEDEVAC), critical patient transport, and rapid humanitarian aid deployment during natural disasters.

Sources:
Textron Aviation