Peru Pays US$1.66 Million to Keep 9 Black Hawks Flying

PERU · SECURITY

Peru’s Interior Ministry has authorized a payment of about US$1.66 million to the US government for nine donated Black Hawk helicopters. The money completes Peru’s US$4 million share for the second year of a deal that shifts the anti-drug fleet’s costs to Lima.

Interior Minister César Astudillo signed a resolution on Monday, 12 October, approving a transfer of S/5.7 million (about US$1.66 million) to Washington. The funds pay for maintenance of nine UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters that the United States donated for police anti-drug flights.

For US readers, it shows Washington handing a counternarcotics air fleet, and its bills, to a partner in the drug war. The full text is posted on the ministry’s official website, and Infobae’s Peru edition reported the resolution on Tuesday.

What the Resolution Authorizes

Ministerial Resolution 1494-2026-IN authorizes the Interior Ministry to transfer up to S/5,700,001 (about US$1.66 million) to the Government of the United States. The text says the money covers the outstanding balance of Peru’s contribution for the second year of a five-year transition period.

An earlier resolution, 1007-2026-IN, sent S/8 million (about US$2.34 million), which covered a first payment of US$2,335,766.42. The new transfer covers the remaining US$1,664,233.58, so the two payments together total S/13.7 million (about US$4 million).

The money comes from the budget of the National Police aviation directorate, under a state program to reduce illegal drug trafficking. The resolution assigns it to air support for drug interdiction operations and bars its use for any other purpose.

Peru’s 2026 budget law, Law 32513, caps such transfers to the US government this year at S/16 million (about US$4.66 million). The two payments approved so far stay within that ceiling, according to the resolution.

How the Cost Shifts to Peru

Peru’s Interior Ministry and the US government, acting through the US Embassy in Lima, signed the donation agreement on 13 August 2024. Peru ratified it by Supreme Decree 055-2024-RE, and it entered into force on 15 November 2024.

Under the agreement, both sides work toward a self-sustaining Peruvian air capability for anti-drug operations during the transition. Peru takes on growing management, operational, staffing and financial duties in that period, as the resolution summarizes.

The agreement sets the baseline annual cost of the helicopters’ maintenance contract at US$20 million. Peru’s share rises from 20% (US$4 million) in year two to 60% (US$12 million) in year five.

The steps in between are 30% (US$6 million) in year three and 40% (US$8 million) in year four. Once the transition ends, and assuming title to the aircraft passes to Peru, Lima pays all maintenance costs.

Conversions use 3.43 soles per US dollar, the market rate of 12 October. The resolution’s own dollar figures imply almost the same rate, 3.425.

What It Means for US Readers

The deal moves the running costs of a US-built fleet from American taxpayers to Peru’s treasury on a fixed timetable. On a US$20 million baseline, Peru leaves US$16 million uncovered in year two and US$8 million in year five.

The UH-60 Black Hawk is built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin unit, and flies with the US Army and allied forces. The resolution does not name the maintenance contractor, and the money goes to the US government, not to a company.

Peru’s two payments cover its full year-two share of US$4 million. That matters for US counternarcotics policy, which relies on partners to carry more of the cost.

What Is Not Known

The resolution does not say when the money will reach the US government or how the US side will apply it. It also does not say how many of the nine helicopters are flying today or where they are based.

It is not clear whether Peru’s 2027 budget will include the US$6 million due in the third year of the transition. Peru’s full responsibility for maintenance depends on a transfer of title to the aircraft, and no date for that has been published.

Neither the US Embassy in Lima nor Peru’s National Police had commented on the payment in the reports reviewed. Infobae’s report describes the helicopters’ use only in general terms, as anti-drug operations.

What Comes Next

The resolution sends a copy to the police aviation directorate, which must now carry out the transfer. The agreement states that Peru’s payments fall due at the end of the month.

The next test is whether the 2027 budget funds the third year, when Peru’s share of the maintenance bill rises to 30%. Peru’s Congress is due to approve that budget by 30 November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Did Peru Approve?

Peru’s Interior Ministry approved a transfer of up to S/5.7 million (about US$1.66 million) to the US government. The money pays for maintenance of nine donated UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

Did Peru Buy the Black Hawks?

No, the United States donated the nine helicopters and support equipment under a 2024 agreement. Peru is paying a growing share of their maintenance costs during a five-year transition.

How Much Will Peru Pay Each Year?

The agreement puts the baseline annual maintenance cost at US$20 million and Peru’s share at 20% in year two. Its share rises to 30%, 40% and then 60% in year five, before Peru pays all costs once title passes.

What Are the Helicopters Used For?

The resolution funds air support for police drug interdiction operations under Peru’s program to reduce drug trafficking. The aircraft serve the anti-drug aviation program run with Peru’s National Police.

Who Signed the Agreement?

Peru’s Interior Ministry and the US government, through the US Embassy in Lima, signed it on 13 August 2024. It entered into force on 15 November 2024 after Peru ratified it by supreme decree.

Sources: Ministerio del Interior, Resolución Ministerial N.º 1494-2026-IN (full text, PDF); Infobae Perú (all accessed 13 October 2026).