Analysis & Reports

President Boluarte of Peru announced the postponement of F-16 fighter jet procurement from the U.S. on February 22, 2023, citing financial burdens. This decision led to the resignation of the Defense and Foreign Ministers and sparked political tensions, including a potential vote of no confidence against the president. The country is also facing a chaotic presidential election process with delayed vote counting.

Peru announced the purchase of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft from Lockheed Martin to modernize its fighter fleet and enhance national defense capabilities. This acquisition, made public on April 23, 2026, reinforces the strategic partnership between Peru and the United States. The F-16 Block 70 is noted for its advanced technology and operational performance, contributing to Peru's air sovereignty and regional security.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy are collaborating to enhance the amphibious fleet, currently consisting of 31 ships, which is insufficient for operational demands. As of April 2026, four amphibious ships are deployed across various regions, including the USS Tripoli in the Arabian Sea. The services are optimizing maintenance, extending the life of existing ships, and procuring new vessels to improve capabilities and readiness.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy are collaborating to enhance the amphibious fleet, currently consisting of 31 ships, with only 4 deployed across North America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. As of April 2026, the USS Tripoli is in the Arabian Sea supporting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while the USS Boxer is in the Middle East. The Marine Corps Commandant emphasized the need for increased investments and service life extensions for existing ships to meet operational demands.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy are collaborating to enhance the amphibious fleet, currently consisting of 31 ships, which is insufficient for operational demands. As of April 2026, four amphibious ships are deployed across various regions, including the USS Tripoli in the Arabian Sea. The services are optimizing maintenance, extending the life of select ships, and procuring new vessels to improve capabilities and readiness.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy are collaborating to enhance the amphibious fleet size due to current inadequacies. As of April 2026, there are 31 amphibious ships, with four deployed across various regions, including the Arabian Sea. The USS Tripoli is currently supporting operations in the Middle East, while the Navy and Marine Corps are optimizing maintenance and planning new procurements to bolster capabilities.

Peru signed a technical agreement for the procurement of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin on April 20, 2026, despite a political crisis triggered by President Boluarte's refusal to take responsibility for the deal. The agreement, which includes advanced capabilities and a training program, led to the simultaneous resignation of Peru's Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The U.S. emphasized the urgency of the deal amid rising costs and competition from other countries.

Peru's President Pedro Castillo announced a delay in the procurement of F-16 fighter jets from the United States, prompting the resignations of Defense Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela. The President stated that the decision was made to ensure responsible use of public funds and would be left to the incoming government. The U.S. Ambassador warned of potential consequences if Peru does not negotiate sincerely regarding U.S. interests.

Chad is deploying 1500 troops to Haiti to combat gang violence as part of a UN-established task force. This deployment includes a vanguard of 400 soldiers already on the ground. The gangs in Haiti have been responsible for numerous violent crimes, prompting this military intervention.

Brazil and Germany are restructuring their Marine Corps to enhance operational effectiveness in response to evolving geopolitical threats. The German Naval Infantry is modernizing its capabilities, focusing on hybrid threats and operational readiness, while Brazil emphasizes riverine and littoral operations. Both nations are integrating advanced technologies, including AI and drones, to improve their military capabilities and align with NATO standards.

The U.S. Navy is currently facing significant operational challenges due to a smaller fleet than required to meet demand, with many ships in maintenance. The Navy has engaged in operations across the Red Sea, Caribbean, and Persian Gulf, highlighting the strain on its resources. To address these issues, the Navy is increasing shipbuilding funds and exploring unmanned systems as a potential solution.

U.S. Navy leaders emphasize the necessity for specialized unmanned systems tailored to different maritime regions during discussions at the Sea-Air-Space mega-conference. They highlight the importance of adapting strategies based on lessons learned from operations in the Gulf and Black Sea, noting that capabilities effective in one area may not translate to others. The Navy plans to diversify its unmanned vessel capabilities and improve industrial partnerships to meet these needs.

Lockheed Martin upgraded the F-22 Raptor, enhancing its combat range by 850 nautical miles with new stealth-compatible fuel tanks. The U.S. Air Force continues to deploy the F-22 in operations across the Indo-Pacific, including recent missions in Estonia and against threats in Iran. The addition of infrared search-and-track sensors improves the aircraft's survivability and situational awareness, ensuring its role in maintaining air superiority.

U.S. Southern Command announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC) to enhance operational capabilities with unmanned systems. The command will focus on countering threats across various domains and will collaborate with regional allies to address narcoterrorism and respond to national disasters. The announcement did not specify when SAWC will become fully operational.

U.S. Southern Command announced the establishment of a new Autonomous Warfare Command aimed at integrating unmanned systems into tactical missions. This command will operate within the Caribbean, South America, and Central America, focusing on countering threats and collaborating with regional partners. The initiative supports national security objectives and enhances operational capabilities in diverse environments.

A fire broke out at the Argentine Navy General Staff headquarters in Buenos Aires on April 18, injuring five individuals due to smoke inhalation. Approximately 75 people were evacuated as the fire, which started in a storage room on the 12th floor, spread to the 13th floor. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Commercial flights resumed in Puerto Rico, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, and Saint Maarten following the lifting of airspace restrictions by the FAA on January 4, 2026, after Operation Absolute Resolve captured Nicolás Maduro. Puerto Rico faced significant disruptions with over 300 flight cancellations in one day, while cruise ship services to Barbados are delayed until 2027.

Swedish and German submarines repeatedly penetrated U.S. Navy carrier defenses during exercises, achieving simulated kills. The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are currently deployed in operations against Iran, highlighting the ongoing relevance of aircraft carriers despite emerging threats. The Gotland incident in 2005 underscored vulnerabilities in U.S. anti-submarine warfare capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of tactics.

Cuban President Díaz-Canel addressed a large gathering in Havana, urging citizens to prepare for military aggression amid ongoing U.S. threats. He highlighted the challenges posed by the U.S. blockade and reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to self-defense and international solidarity. The event commemorated the 65th anniversary of the socialist revolution, emphasizing Cuba's resilience against external pressures.

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone conducted a 12-hour reconnaissance flight off the coast of Cuba, focusing on Havana and Guantanamo Bay. The drone maintained an altitude of 49,000 feet and a ground speed of 290 knots, indicating sustained monitoring of the area. This mission aligns with U.S. military planning related to Cuba, providing critical surveillance data.