Mexican Air Force Begins F-5 Replacement Push At Tulum Air Show 2026
The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, FAM) has formally launched a plan to retire its legacy Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters and acquire a new fleet of combat aircraft by 2028, officials said at the Tulum Air Show 2026.
FAM commander General Román Carmona Landa told Janes that the F-5s, long the service’s primary supersonic fighters, represent the air arm’s highest capability but are based on dated technology. In response, the service is pursuing 12 new fighters to restore and enhance its air defence, reconnaissance and ground attack capacity.
- The Mexican Air Force has begun replacing its Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters and is seeking 12 new combat aircraft by 2028.
- FAM commander Gen Roman Carmona Landa said the F-5 is outdated and replacements must handle air defence, reconnaissance and ground attack missions.
- Aircraft under review include the F-16, Gripen, FA-50 and M-346.
- Mexico is also acquiring C-130J-30 transports, UH-60M helicopters and King Air 360 aircraft as part of wider modernization.
- The Tulum Air Show 2026 highlighted Mexico growing aerospace and defence engagement.
Short, aging platforms such as the F-5 have limited sensor and weapons capacity compared with fourth-generation and advanced light combat jets in production today. The planned replacement is a key step in modernising Mexico’s air combat force and aligning its capabilities with regional defence demands.
Options Under Consideration
At Tulum Air Show 2026, FAM officials outlined a broad set of candidates under review for the new fighter fleet. These include established fourth-generation types such as the Lockheed Martin F-16 and Saab Gripen and lighter combat aircraft like Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 and the Italian Leonardo M-346 fighter-attack variant.
The F-16 is widely operated globally and features modern avionics and weapons systems. The Gripen offers networked sensor fusion and multi-role capability tailored to versatile missions. Light multirole jets such as the FA-50 and M-346 combine pilot training tasks with combat roles, though typically with more constrained performance.
FAM has not publicly detailed selection criteria or a preferred platform, but emphasised the need for a balanced mix of air defence and strike capability. Procurement decisions are expected in the coming months as Mexico advances its modernisation roadmap.
Broader Modernisation Plans
Alongside the fighter initiative, Mexico is progressing other key defence acquisitions. FAM is acquiring two Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 transport aircraft, which will bolster strategic airlift capacity, and 11 Sikorsky UH-60M utility helicopters to enhance mobility and support operations. The service also plans to field three Beechcraft King Air 360 platforms and new remotely piloted aircraft systems alongside ground-based air surveillance radars.
These moves follow a series of recapitalisation efforts since 2013, including Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II tactical support aircraft and UH-60M helicopters to replace older support assets.
Strategic And Regional Context
The Tulum Air Show 2026 has drawn attention as both a public aerospace showcase and a defence policy forum, bringing civilian and military stakeholders together to discuss technology trends and procurement strategies. Organisers emphasised the event’s role in growing Mexico’s aerospace sector and strengthening engagement with industry and international partners ahead of the next major aerospace fair in 2027.
Analysts note that modern multi-role fighters could improve Mexico’s ability to coordinate airspace defence with regional partners, including the United States and Canada, and provide more credible deterrence against evolving threats. While Mexico’s defence budget remains constrained relative to larger air forces, targeted purchases of capable, widely supported platforms could deliver measurable improvements.
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