The United States government authorized the possible sale to Peru of design and construction services for maritime and onshore facilities at the Callao Naval Base, together with associated logistics and project support elements. This follows one of the most recent notifications from the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress, seeking approval for the transaction under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, valued at US$1.5 billion.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted to the U.S. Congress the required certification formally notifying it of this possible sale. According to the information released, Peru requested equipment and services intended to support the acquisition and modernization of naval infrastructure at the country’s main maritime complex.
Among the included components, classified as non-Major Defense Equipment, are lifecycle facility design, construction, project management, engineering studies and services, technical support, infrastructure assessments, surveys, planning, programming, contract administration, construction management, and technical, logistics, and engineering support services provided by the U.S. Government and contractors. The final amount will depend on the definitive requirements and the agreements that may eventually be signed.
Officials in Washington noted that this possible sale contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening the security of a partner considered relevant to political stability, peace, and economic development in South America. It was also stated that the project will help improve Peru’s port infrastructure to support current and future naval and logistics operations, as well as reduce the interaction between civilian and military activities at existing facilities.
According to the official notification, implementation of the project will require the assignment of up to 20 U.S. Government or U.S. contractor representatives for a period of up to ten years, with the aim of providing construction oversight and management. It was also clarified that the operation will not affect U.S. defensive readiness nor alter the regional military balance.
Naval and industrial modernization in Callao
The potential U.S. investment is part of a broader context of modernization of Peru’s military capabilities, particularly in the naval domain. In this regard, Peru recently signed a submarine co-development contract between the Naval Industrial Services (SIMA Perú) and South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The agreement, signed at the Callao Naval Base, provides for the construction of submarines in the country with technology transfer and progressive participation of local industry.
According to official information, the project aims to strengthen maritime sovereignty and consolidate an industrial ecosystem linked to the naval sector, integrating engineers, technicians, universities, and local suppliers.
Advances in the Air Force and the Army
In parallel, the Peruvian Congress approved the second tranche of financing for the acquisition of 24 multirole fighter aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), within the framework of the Public Sector Borrowing Law for fiscal year 2026. The budget allocated to the Ministry of Defense amounts to approximately US$2.35 billion, enabling progress in one of the main military re-equipment programs launched in 2024.
The selection process is in its final stage and considers three options: the Rafale F4 (Dassault Aviation), the F-16 Block 70 (Lockheed Martin), and the Gripen E/F (Saab). In September, the U.S. Department of State approved a possible sale of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft under the FMS framework, valued at US$3.42 billion.
For its part, the Peruvian Army confirmed the acquisition of three PULS multiple rocket artillery systems developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, for an amount close to US$60 million, as well as the signing of a framework agreement with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem for the future incorporation of K2 Black Panther tanks and K808 White Tiger 8×8 armored vehicles.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to modernize the Peruvian Armed Forces, in which the possible U.S.-approved sale for the Callao Naval Base constitutes one of the most significant infrastructure projects announced to date.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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