Washington has cleared a major infrastructure-focused arms sale to Peru, approving up to $1.5 billion to support new naval facilities at Callao. The initiative would move Peru’s navy away from shared waterways with commercial shipping, improving security while freeing space for port expansion. US officials describe the project as both a safety upgrade and a strategic investment in a stable South American partner. The deal allows for long-term US technical oversight and competitive contractor selection. Strategically, the approval coincides with US unease over China’s expanding maritime footprint in Peru, especially the Belt and Road–linked Chancay port, which US officials have flagged for potential dual-use risks.
