Mexico's Defense Secretariat Plans Aircraft Acquisitions, Including F-5 Jet Replacement

Mexico's military is embarking on a significant development plan that includes acquiring new aircraft across its branches, according to Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, head of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).

The plan encompasses short, medium, and long-term acquisitions, with a particular focus on cargo aircraft, personnel transport planes, and versatile helicopters. These helicopters are crucial for disaster relief operations under Plan DN-III-E and other military missions.

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We have perfectly planned all the acquisitions that must be made for this administration, specifically regarding aircraft.

"We have perfectly planned all the acquisitions that must be made for this administration, specifically regarding aircraft," Trevilla stated. He emphasized the priority given to cargo, transport, and helicopter models.

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We give priority to cargo aircraft, personnel transport, and helicopters.

A key long-term objective is the eventual replacement of the aging F-5 fighter jets, a process anticipated to extend until 2050. The Mexican Air Force is also actively seeking to acquire 12 new fighter jets by 2028 to bolster national airspace surveillance. Potential candidates include Sweden's Saab Gripen E and F models, which have been presented to the Air Force command.

The broader development plan for the Air Force also includes maintaining human resources in optimal operational condition and developing material resources, such as a factory for military equipment and industry to supply the defense dependencies.

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The long-term plan we are talking about is until 2050, the CASA planes, these are intended to fulfill the first mission: it is about the replacement of the F-5s, the F-5 planes and it would be medium and long term.