Peru is deferring plans to purchase new fighter aircraft until the next administration takes office in June, according to President José María Balcázar.

The decision is based on concerns that the deal would impose a significant debt burden, Bloomberg reports.

The procurement, which previous reports indicated involved Lockheed Martin's F-16, was initiated by a former administration. Competitors for the contract include Sweden's Saab Gripen.

In a statement to Dagens industri (Di), Saab noted that it is monitoring the process and continues to promote its Gripen offer as a cost-effective alternative.