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Peru Defers $3.5 Billion F-16 Purchase; Two Ministers Resign
Peru's interim President Jose Maria Balcazar announced the deferral of a decision on purchasing F-16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, leading to the resignations of the defense and foreign ministers. The U.S. ambassador to Peru expressed concerns over the delay. The decision comes amid ongoing political instability and an upcoming presidential election in Peru.
Apr 22, 6:44 PM·2m read1 source
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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.
