Peru suspends signing of US-made fighter jet purchase contract after being threatened by US diplomat

Peruvian President Jose Barcascal said that his government will delay signing the contract to purchase F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, suggesting that the selection and signing process be completed by the next government. The total amount of the project is approximately $3.5 billion, and the initial contract to purchase 12 aircraft from Lockheed Martin was originally planned to be signed on April 17 with the United States. Barcascal pointed out in an interview that since the current government is a transitional government whose term will end in July 2026, such a significant military purchase decision involving the country taking on a huge debt should be made by the new government.