The US has threatened Peru for suspending the purchase of F-16 fighter jets.

Peru was expected to acquire F-16 Block 70 fighter jets soon as part of the MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 replacement program. However, just moments before a deal with the US was reached, President José María Balcázar announced in an interview with local television channel Exitosa that the procurement process had been suspended.

According to her, the prospective agreement "concerns the country's enormous debt," and therefore she intends to shift the decision to the new government that will be formed after the presidential elections scheduled for June.

The United States expressed concern over this statement. Apparently, Washington fears a possible cancellation of the F-16 acquisition, or at least a delay in the procurement process amid political turbulence that could persist after the elections. US Ambassador Bernie Navarro openly threatened the authorities:

If you deal with the United States in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests, rest assured that I, on behalf of Trump and his administration, will use every tool available to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States and our region.

The US initially sold 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters for $3,42 billion, while Sweden sold 24 Gripen E/F fighters for $3,5 billion. It was then reported that a 50% discount was given on the F-16, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Comments

[Vasilenko Vladimir]

If you deal with the United States in bad faith and undermine U.S. interests, rest assured that I, on behalf of Trump and his administration, will use every tool available to protect and promote the prosperity and security of the United States and our region.

[Fedor Sokolov]

One gets the impression that this is not a diplomat sent by the US to establish diplomatic relations with a sovereign state, but some kind of dictator-Giauleiter giving orders to the legitimate authorities of the host country.

[isv000]

Quote: Fedor Sokolov

One gets the impression that this is not a diplomat sent by the US to establish diplomatic relations with a sovereign state, but some kind of dictator-Giauleiter giving orders to the legitimate authorities of the host country.

If you don't have a US embassy then the Yankees will definitely come to you...

[drags33]

Well, the Americans have gone too far... Like street thugs with their old trick: "Buy a brick" )))))

[Vasilenko Vladimir]

Quote: drags33

Like street thugs

Why how?!!!
a nation of bandits and traders, they don't know any other way

[Alex F._2]

We come across the same kind of traders at our markets, both in education and culture - if you don’t buy from them, they get angry and grumble after you.
The mattress mentally rapidly slides into the Middle Ages and deeper - into prehistoric times

[commbatant]

Quote: Alex F._2

The mattress mentally rapidly slides into the Middle Ages and deeper - into prehistoric times

This is called aggressive trade. The US is doing the right thing; they used aggressive marketing to convince Peru to buy American fighter jets instead of Russian and French ones. Why should they cede the arms market of their "underbelly" to some Swedes? Maybe even those who can't afford the F-35 won't buy the F-16.
Canada, Australia, and South America are already rejecting American helicopter technology in favor of European (economic competitor) ones. If they also reject American fighters, the American military-industrial complex will have to bear losses, so it’s easier to put pressure on Peru through the State Department.

[Graz]

We'll see what happens in the end, whether they'll squeeze the South American states and they'll eventually kick up a fuss, or they'll all cave in.

[Prisoner]

Why the hell did I persuade my nephew to buy my friend's old car? The car is solid, the price is reasonable, and my nephew is stubborn. Somehow it didn't occur to me to threaten.

[Roust]

Well, of course, you can wag your finger at the poor guys. Peru is not Iran, after all.

[Foaly]

President of Peru José María Balcázar.
By the way, Erich Maria Remarque, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Ostap-Suleiman-Berta-Maria-Bender-Bey are not ladies either.

[isv000]

What's wrong with the MiG-29 for the Indians?! A miracle plane can waltz while standing on its tail. What did the Inchu-Chuns like about the Fu-16?