Peru Defers $3.5 Billion F-16 Purchase; Two Ministers Resign

Peru's interim President Jose Maria Balcazar announced on April 15, 2026, that he would defer a decision on purchasing F-16 fighter jets from the United States company Lockheed Martin until the next elected leader takes office. The proposed deal involves acquiring 24 jets for $3.5 billion.

Balcazar stated that committing such a large sum during a transitional government would be inappropriate. Defence Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned on April 21, 2026, citing disagreement with the deferral. Diaz wrote in his resignation letter that he had a fundamental disagreement with the national security decision.

The ministers' resignations follow Balcazar's cancellation of a signing ceremony for an initial batch of 12 jets.

Ambassador to Peru Bernie Navarro posted on social media on April 17, 2026, warning against dealing with the U.S. in bad faith and undermining U.S. interests. Navarro stated that he would use available tools to protect U.S. prosperity and security. In a subsequent statement on April 21, Navarro described the F-16 fleet as highly competitive and technically advanced, adding that delays would result in significant costs.

The U.S. Department of Defense approved the potential sale in September 2025. The deal was initially decided in 2024 under former President Dina Boluarte, with financing planned through $2 billion in domestic borrowing in 2025 and $1.5 billion in 2026.

Critics in Peru have noted offers from French company Dassault Aviation and Swedish company Saab AB as alternatives.

assumed office in February 2026, selected by Congress after the impeachment of Jose Jeri, who had replaced Boluarte in October 2025. Peru has had nine presidents in the past decade. The deferral occurs amid a presidential election, with the first round held on April 12, 2026, and a runoff expected in June 2026.

Keiko Fujimori leads the race and is expected to advance to the runoff. Roberto Sanchez holds a slight lead for second place with 12 percent of votes tallied, followed by Rafael Lopez Aliaga with 11.9 percent. The final count is anticipated in May 2026, with the new president to be sworn in on July 28, 2026.

The Trump administration has expressed concerns over Chinese investment in Peru, including the Pacific port of Chancay. In February 2026, the administration posted on social media supporting Peru's oversight of critical infrastructure. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar stated during a congressional committee hearing this week that the U.S. would assist Peru in addressing the port if the new government acts.