Mexico Shifts Defense Spending Toward Airlift Capabilities

The Mexican Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) has established a comprehensive force development plan extending through 2050 that outlines the modernization of the Mexican Army, Air Force, and National Guard. Speaking at a Tuesday press conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, Defense Minister General Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that procurement during the current federal administration will prioritize cargo aircraft, personnel transports, and helicopters over the acquisition of new fighter jets.

The strategic plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term procurement phases designed to maintain the operational readiness of military personnel and equipment. Short-term acquisitions—defined as those taking place during the current presidential term—will focus on platforms that support logistics, troop transport, and civil protection missions.

"We have already fully mapped out all the aircraft acquisitions planned for this administration. We are prioritizing cargo aircraft, personnel transport, and helicopters. As you know, helicopters are multipurpose platforms that we use extensively in the execution of Plan DN-III-E as well as in regular operations. That is our current plan," Trevilla said.

SEDENA officials emphasized that transport aircraft and helicopters play a critical role in domestic humanitarian operations, particularly during natural disasters, by enabling the rapid delivery of supplies, medical personnel, and rescue equipment to isolated communities.

The emphasis on logistics assets postpones the immediate replacement of the Mexican Air Force's aging fighter fleet. The force currently operates Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II aircraft manufactured in the United States, which entered service in 1982. Of the original fleet of 10 aircraft acquired more than four decades ago, only three remain operational.

Although the Defense Ministry has initiated market research to identify potential replacements for the F-5E/F fleet, Trevilla clarified that acquiring new fighter aircraft remains a medium- to long-term objective that will extend beyond the current administration.

"The fighter aircraft are intended to fulfill our primary modernization mission, which is replacing the F-5 fleet, and that will take place in the medium and long term," Trevilla said.

According to military officials, the multi-decade modernization strategy will be implemented gradually and aligned with the federal government's budgetary capacity. The long-term objective is to incorporate next-generation technologies to strengthen national defense and enhance airspace surveillance capabilities. To support that transition, the Mexican Air Force continues to train pilots and technical personnel for future aircraft platforms.

Beyond foreign procurement, Trevilla said SEDENA will continue leveraging its internal manufacturing capabilities, including its military industrial facilities and clothing and equipment factories, to supply the Army and National Guard. However, specialized operational systems and aviation assets will continue to be acquired through formal external procurement processes to meet technical and operational requirements.