Peru's Defense and Foreign Ministers Resign Over F-16 Fighter Jet Decision Delay

Two high-ranking Peruvian government officials have stepped down from their positions following interim President Jose Maria Balcazar's announcement to postpone approval of a multi-billion dollar fighter aircraft acquisition from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

Defense Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela both submitted their resignations on Wednesday, explicitly citing disagreement with the postponement. In his resignation letter, Diaz stated:

"A strategic decision has been taken in the area of national security with which I have a fundamental disagreement."

Background of the F-16 Purchase Controversy

The proposed acquisition of F-16 fighter jets has proven contentious in Peru, with observers questioning whether the deal represents capitulation to pressure from US President Donald Trump. Last week, Balcazar, the country's ninth president within ten years, announced he would defer the decision-making responsibility to Peru's next elected administration.

The interim president, who assumed office in February after replacing an impeached predecessor, cancelled a scheduled signing ceremony for the aircraft deal. The initial agreement called for 12 jets to be delivered first, with Peru ultimately planning to acquire 24 aircraft for its aging air force. The total investment was estimated at $3.5 billion.

Balcazar clarified that he was not withdrawing from the agreement entirely, but rather believed that such a substantial financial commitment should fall to the incoming government rather than a transitional administration.

"For us to commit such a large sum of money to the incoming government would be a poor practice for a transitional government,"

US Pressure and International Response

The decision triggered swift backlash from Washington. On April 17, US Ambassador to Peru Bernie Navarro posted a forceful warning on social media:

"If you deal with the U.S. in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests, rest assured, I, on behalf of [President] Trump and his administration, will use every available tool to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States and our region."

On Wednesday, Navarro responded again to the delay, emphasizing that the F-16s represented uncompetitive value and describing any postponement as economically damaging. He stressed that

"In planning the delivery of a product of this calibre, there is no such thing as an inconsequential delay. Every delay results in significant costs. The same package cannot be available in a couple of months, or even weeks."

The ambassador rejected claims that Peru had received more attractive bids from competitors, particularly from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Swedish defense firm Saab AB.

Historical Context and Financing

The original decision to purchase 24 fighter jets was made in 2024 under then-President Dina Boluarte. The financing plan involved $2 billion in domestic borrowing in 2025 and $1.5 billion in 2026. The US Department of Defense granted approval for the potential sale in September of the previous year.

Peru's political landscape has experienced significant turbulence, with Boluarte removed from office in October and her successor Jose Jeri impeached after just four months in office. Balcazar is expected to remain in his interim role until July, when a newly elected president is scheduled to be inaugurated on Peru's independence day.

Broader Strategic Context

The F-16 dispute reflects the Trump administration's broader push for expanded influence across Latin America, framed as the "Donroe Doctrine." US officials have simultaneously pressured Peru to limit Chinese economic involvement, particularly regarding the Chinese-owned Pacific port of Chancay. The administration has warned that Chinese investment threatens Peru's sovereignty over critical infrastructure.

This week, Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, a Trump ally, characterized the Chinese-controlled port as a hemispheric security threat, suggesting the next Peruvian government should reassert control, with implicit assurances of American assistance under the Trump administration.

Uncertain Electoral Outcome

Peru's presidential race remains unsettled following voting on April 12. The vote-counting process has experienced significant delays, leaving the election outcome undetermined more than a week later. While experts have found no evidence of voter fraud, the sluggish count has generated concerns about election administration.

Right-wing former First Lady Keiko Fujimori is widely expected to advance to a June runoff vote. The competition for the second runoff spot remains open, with left-wing Congress member Roberto Sanchez currently leading with 12 percent of tallied votes, narrowly ahead of far-right former mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga, who has recorded 11.9 percent. Lopez Aliaga has been an outspoken supporter of the Trump administration.

The complete first-round vote totals are anticipated to be announced in May.