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Peru Finalizes F-16 Deal With Lockheed as Ministers Quit and Congress Weighs Censure

The move commits Peru to a $3.42 billion U.S. fighter package despite a transitional presidency.

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LIMA, PERU - FEBRUARY 18: Peru's new interim President Jose Maria Balcazar gestures after his election at the National Congress in Lima, Peru on February 18, 2026. Peruâs Congress elected leftist lawmaker Jose Maria Balcazar as the countryâs new interim president Wednesday, a day after lawmakers removed his predecessor amid corruption allegations. Balcazar, an 83-year-old legislator, won the most votes in a parliamentary session in Lima and will serve as interim head of state until July 28 as Peru prepares for presidential elections scheduled for later this year. (Photo by Jorge Cerdan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Interim president Jose Maria Balcazar said he would leave it up to the next elected leader to finalize the F-16 deal

Overview

  • Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Embassy confirmed Thursday that Peru selected 12 F-16 Block 70 jets, closing a turbulent competition marked by mixed signals from Lima.
  • A technical contract signing, which officials conducted at Las Palmas Air Base, took place Monday, April 20, after a public ceremony was canceled when the interim president pressed to defer the choice.
  • Peru’s Economy and Finance Ministry transferred about $462 million on Wednesday, April 22, starting the purchase under a Foreign Military Sale that also includes radars, missiles, training, and long-term support.
  • Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned Wednesday in protest over the handling of the deal as lawmakers moved to censure Interim President José María Balcázar.
  • Deliveries are projected to begin around 2029 to replace aging Mirage 2000 and mostly grounded MiG-29 fighters, and Peru is still considering a second batch of 12 aircraft.