The decision by President José María Balcázar to postpone the purchase of 24 F-16 aircraft, valued at 3.5 billion soles, has triggered a crisis within his cabinet. The resignations of Ministers Carlos Díaz (Defense) and Hugo de Zela (Foreign Relations) come after accusations of contradictions and lies regarding an agreement that had already been authorized by the president.
According to Díaz, Balcázar had signed a supreme decree that allowed the acquisition, which was considered a state policy from the previous administration. In February, the National Security and Defense Council had unanimously approved the purchase, arguing it was an urgent necessity for the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).
The breaking point occurred just days before signing the contract with Lockheed Martin when Balcázar decided to halt the process, citing fiscal prudence and suggesting that the decision should fall to the next administration. This stance was interpreted as a lack of commitment to national defense.
Hugo de Zela warned that this postponement could damage relations with the United States, which had recently designated Peru as a strategic ally. In response, Balcázar rejected the accusations of deception, insisting that the circumstances had not changed and that the decision must be taken by the new government.
