The US State Department has approved a potential $1.5-billion Foreign Military Sale to support the redesign and relocation of Peru’s main naval base at Callao, a move with both operational and geopolitical implications. The project aims to separate naval operations from Peru’s busiest commercial port, reducing civilian-military congestion while enabling safer and more efficient maritime operations. Relocation would also allow expansion of the adjacent commercial port. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale supports US foreign policy goals by strengthening a key regional partner. Contractors will be selected competitively, and up to 20 US personnel could be stationed in Peru for as long as a decade to oversee construction. The decision comes amid US concern over China’s growing port presence, particularly the COSCO-operated Chancay port nearby.
