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3h ago

Mario Contreras Takes Command of Peru’s Air Force After Chávez’s Retirement

The change occurs during scrutiny of an unfinished $3.5 billion fighter purchase.

Relevo del Comandante General de la FAP no cambiará calendario de compra de 24 cazas
Mario Contreras como comandante general de la FAP
El presidente José Jerí y el ministro de Defensa, César Díaz, firmaron las resoluciones supremas que oficializan el relevo en la Comandancia General de la Fuerza Aérea del Perú. (Foto: Presidencia)
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Overview

  • Contreras assumed the post at a ceremony at Las Palmas Air Base led by President José Jerí and Defense Minister César Díaz Peche, pledging modernization, technological integration and welfare programs.
  • His appointment by Supreme Resolution No. 079-2025-DE took effect on November 6, 2025, while Carlos Chávez was removed and retired by No. 078-2025-DE after 40 years of service.
  • Peruvian military law stipulates that leaving the commander general post automatically triggers retirement even if minimum service time is not met.
  • The combat-fleet renewal remains pending, with a former vice minister saying a 20% upfront transfer of the $3.5 billion is urgently needed and defense sources indicating procurement steps that produced three finalists will be reviewed.
  • Prosecutors continue to investigate the death of pilot Ashley Vargas, a case that intensified scrutiny of operational safety, maintenance and risk management in the force.