US Embassy: Peru F-16 sale signed, binding

The U.S. Embassy in Peru, alongside the President of Peru's Council of Ministers and a former Foreign Minister, has stated that the sale of F-16CV 'Viper' fighter jets to Peru has already been formally signed and approved. This declaration follows the resignations of Peru's Defense and Foreign Ministers after Interim President José María Balcázar moved to block the purchase of 24 jets from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin. The officials assert the deal is now binding, implying there is nothing the sitting president can do to halt it. The dispute highlights a significant political clash over a major defense procurement and Peru's strategic alignment.