The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) made a payment of $462 million to Lockheed Martin for the acquisition of 12 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, despite opposition from President José María Balcázar. During a message to the nation, Balcázar reiterated his decision not to proceed with the contract and left the responsibility to the next administration. Prime Minister Luis Arroyo, along with former Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, carried out the signing of the contract, arguing that there were existing commitments that needed to be fulfilled.
On April 20, contracts for the purchase of the aircraft and an industrial compensation agreement were signed. Balcázar, for his part, insisted that the decision regarding the purchase should fall to the new government. However, the MEF not only made the payment but also issued a resolution dismissing the Defense Minister, highlighting tensions within the cabinet. Former Minister Díaz indicated that his departure was due to his disagreement with the president’s position, who had opted to cancel the contract. This situation reflects an internal conflict within the government, where significant differences are evident regarding resource management and strategic priorities. According to De Zela, Balcázar was aware of the contract signing, which contradicts his statements in the media.
