Peru's Defense Shake-Up Amid Jet Purchase Delay

On Wednesday, Peru's Defense Minister Carlos Diaz stepped down, following interim President Jose Balcazar's decision to delay procuring F-16 aircraft from the United States. With Balcazar set to leave office in July, the acquisition was deferred for the next administration's consideration.

Peru has been actively seeking to upgrade its outdated Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighter jets from the 1980s and 1990s. The country aims to acquire 24 jets, starting with an initial deal for 12. Among the bidders is U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, with the U.S. State Department having approved the sale of F-16s to Peru last year, valued at approximately $3.42 billion.

Local media reports indicate Balcazar canceled a signing ceremony with Lockheed Martin on April 17, citing concerns about binding the future government to significant defense expenditures. The U.S. embassy in Lima has not commented on the issue. Diaz, who took office on March 17, was scheduled to address Congress's Defense Committee regarding the suspension.