April 23 (UPI) -- Peru's planned purchase of 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from a United States firm has triggered a new political crisis, prompting Cabinet resignations and diplomatic tensions with Washington.
Interim President José María Balcázar sought to suspend the roughly $3.5 billion acquisition from Lockheed Martin, arguing that the decision should be left to the next administration that takes office in July.
Despite his objections, the deal moved forward under what officials described as strong international pressure.
Fernando Rospigliosi, president of Peru's Congress, said the Economy and Finance Ministry completed the initial payment required under contracts signed Monday for purchasing aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force.
El Ministerio de Economía está efectuando hoy el pago comprometido en los dos contratos que se firmaron el lunes 20, para la adquisición de aviones para la @fapperu— Fernando Rospigliosi (@Frospigliosi) April 22, 2026
