Peru's President Halts F-16 Purchase; Foreign and Defense Ministers Resign
Peru's Acting President Jose Maria Balcazar halted a $3.5 billion purchase of 24 F-16 fighter jets from the US, prompting the immediate resignation of the Foreign and Defense Ministers and drawing sharp warnings from the US Ambassador.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 13:04
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 13:31 (27 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 16:43 (3h 11m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Report, Lima, 22nd, Composite Foreign Report) Peru's Acting President Jose Maria Balcazar decided to halt the purchase of 24 US F-16 fighter jets worth $3.5 billion. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense both resigned today in protest.
The two ministers pointed out that the procurement agreement with the United States had already been signed, and raising doubts now will damage Peru's credibility as a trading partner.
According to AFP, Peru has seen eight different presidents in the past decade. A presidential election was held on April 12, but vote counting has been delayed. With the country already in chaos, the sudden resignation of the two ministers exacerbates the turmoil.
The presidential election results are not yet finalized. If no candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round, a runoff election will be held on June 7.
Acting President Balcazar stated yesterday that he would leave the decision on this military procurement to the incoming president.
US Ambassador to Peru Bernardo Navarro, who comes from the business sector, posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter) on the 17th: "If you break your word and harm US interests, rest assured that on behalf of US President Trump and his administration, I will use all available means to safeguard America's prosperity and security in our region."
It is widely believed that Navarro's remarks were aimed at the uncertainties surrounding the arms deal.
Today, Balcazar assured the Peruvian public on state television that he "has no intention of antagonizing the United States."
Balcazar stated, "Major social gaps within the country must be addressed," explaining that he halted the arms purchase to ensure public funds "are used reasonably and appropriately."
Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated that the decision "endangers our country's security and damages our national credibility."
De Zela emphasized that after the National Defense Council approved the F-16 purchase, the contract was signed on the 20th, and the down payment was due today.
Defense Minister Carlos Diaz noted that purchasing fighter jets is not a political maneuver "but a matter of national security and defense."
Yesterday, Balcazar denied that the arms deal had been finalized. He only took office in February to replace the previously impeached President Jose Jeri, and his acting term will end on July 28.
President of the Congress Fernando Rospigliosi urged Balcazar to honor the contract signed with the US to avoid "political, legal, and geopolitical problems."
Far-right Congressman Jorge Montoya is advocating for Balcazar's impeachment, pushing to make him the fifth president impeached in the last 10 years.
Peru announced in October 2024 that it would replace its aging air defense fleet and purchase new fighter jets. Peru's national selection committee chose the F-16s last year, while the French "Rafale" and the Swedish "Gripen" lost the bid. The committee indicated that the decision was based on technical and geopolitical considerations. (Translated by Chi Chin-ling)
(CNA Report, Lima, 22nd, Composite Foreign Report) Peru's Acting President Jose Maria Balcazar decided to halt the purchase of 24 US F-16 fighter jets worth $3.5 billion. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense both resigned today in protest.
The two ministers pointed out that the procurement agreement with the United States had already been signed, and raising doubts now will damage Peru's credibility as a trading partner.
According to AFP, Peru has seen eight different presidents in the past decade. A presidential election was held on April 12, but vote counting has been delayed. With the country already in chaos, the sudden resignation of the two ministers exacerbates the turmoil.
The presidential election results are not yet finalized. If no candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round, a runoff election will be held on June 7.
Acting President Balcazar stated yesterday that he would leave the decision on this military procurement to the incoming president.
US Ambassador to Peru Bernardo Navarro, who comes from the business sector, posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter) on the 17th: "If you break your word and harm US interests, rest assured that on behalf of US President Trump and his administration, I will use all available means to safeguard America's prosperity and security in our region."
It is widely believed that Navarro's remarks were aimed at the uncertainties surrounding the arms deal.
Today, Balcazar assured the Peruvian public on state television that he "has no intention of antagonizing the United States."
Balcazar stated, "Major social gaps within the country must be addressed," explaining that he halted the arms purchase to ensure public funds "are used reasonably and appropriately."
Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated that the decision "endangers our country's security and damages our national credibility."
De Zela emphasized that after the National Defense Council approved the F-16 purchase, the contract was signed on the 20th, and the down payment was due today.
Defense Minister Carlos Diaz noted that purchasing fighter jets is not a political maneuver "but a matter of national security and defense."
Yesterday, Balcazar denied that the arms deal had been finalized. He only took office in February to replace the previously impeached President Jose Jeri, and his acting term will end on July 28.
President of the Congress Fernando Rospigliosi urged Balcazar to honor the contract signed with the US to avoid "political, legal, and geopolitical problems."
Far-right Congressman Jorge Montoya is advocating for Balcazar's impeachment, pushing to make him the fifth president impeached in the last 10 years.
Peru announced in October 2024 that it would replace its aging air defense fleet and purchase new fighter jets. Peru's national selection committee chose the F-16s last year, while the French "Rafale" and the Swedish "Gripen" lost the bid. The committee indicated that the decision was based on technical and geopolitical considerations. (Translated by Chi Chin-ling)