Peru's Foreign and Defense Ministers Resign Over F-16 Fighter Jet Purchase Dispute

Americas – Peru's Foreign Minister and Defense Minister announced their resignations on Wednesday, citing disagreements with interim President José María Balcazar over the planned purchase of F-16 fighter jets from the United States. Both ministers insisted that a contract with U.S.-based Lockheed Martin had already been signed, while the left-wing president announced a delay in procurement to allow the incoming successor—elected in June—to make the final decision.

"Mr. Balcazar is endangering our nation, damaging our credibility, and making us an unreliable partner in negotiations," said Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela during an interview with RPP radio. He emphasized that the contract was signed on Monday, and the first payment should have been made on Wednesday.

Defense Minister Carlos Diaz justified his resignation by citing the suspension of the procurement, stating that the acquisition was a "strategic necessity for national security and defense." Neither minister disclosed the number of fighter jets involved in the contract. According to local media reports, the number is 12. On Tuesday, Mr. Balcazar stated: "This contract will be postponed so that the newly elected president can ultimately finalize such procurements."

The interim president, whose term began in February and will end on July 28, insisted: "There is currently no procurement plan."

These resignations come amid prolonged political instability in Peru, as the country prepares for a presidential runoff vote on June 7. Mr. Balcazar is Peru’s eighth head of state in ten years.

In October 2024, Peru announced plans to modernize its air force, with a budget of $3.5 billion to acquire 24 of the most advanced fighter jets. Bids were received from France’s Rafale fighters and Sweden’s Gripen fighters. In February of last year, an evaluation committee selected the U.S. proposal.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863225556027401/

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