Story perspectives

Peru Ministers Resign as President Halts $3.5B F-16 Deal

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned on April 22 after President José María Balcázar halted the $3.5 billion F-16 purchase.
Peru signed a $3.5 billion contract for 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 jets and made the first payment.
Balcázar said the deal should wait for the incoming administration and cancelled the April 20 signing ceremony.
U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro warned Peru would face all available tools if it reneged on the agreement.

History

Historical Context

The 1992 defense cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Peru aimed to strengthen military ties, including a $3.5 billion deal for Lockheed Martin F-16 jets to modernize Peru's air force. President José María Balcázar's recent cancellation of this agreement highlights ongoing political instability in Peru and the potential risks to U.S. military partnerships, as emphasized by Ambassador Bernie Navarro's warnings.

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Story summary

Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned on April 22 after President José María Balcázar halted the $3.5 billion F-16 purchase.
Peru signed a $3.5 billion contract for 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 jets and made the first payment.
Balcázar said the deal should wait for the incoming administration and cancelled the April 20 signing ceremony.
U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro warned Peru would face all available tools if it reneged on the agreement.

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