[VIDEO] War planes: General Commander of the FAP retires

This November 5, the Air General Carlos Chavez Cateriano retires after two years at the helm of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP). During her administration in the vacada government, Dina Boluarte tried – although without success – to sign the final contract for the modernization of her institution’s combat fleet. But he is also remembered for the constant crises in the institution, such as the unfortunate death of pilot Ashley Vargas in circumstances that are still being investigated.

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Chávez Cateriano entered the Officer School in 1982 and assumed the General Command of the FAP on November 5, 2023, after a long career as a fighter pilot and chief of the FAP General Staff.

Carlos Chávez Cateriano retires from the Peruvian Air Force.

LOOK: War Planes: Vice Minister of Dina Boluarte leaves Mindef and requests a 20% advance from the MEF

WITHOUT PAIN OR GLORY

Purchase of war planes still pending: The renewal of the combat fleet—a strategic priority for the FAP—was incomplete at the end of his administration, since it was Chávez Cateriano himself who was in charge of mediating the purchase and wasted time in responding and accusing journalists and analysts critical of the procedure. Now it is known, through the mouth of former Deputy Minister of Defense César Torres, that a transfer of 20% of the 3.5 billion dollars is urgently needed to secure the contract.

Sources from the Defense sector assure that before making a decision, the procedures carried out that ended with a shortlist of three bidders with a chance of winning the contract will be investigated.

Death of pilot Ashley Vargas: The accident that cost the pilot’s life generated strong questions about operational safety protocols, maintenance and risk management of the FAP during Chávez’s administration. The investigation and public explanations were not enough to dispel citizen and media concerns about administrative and technical responsibilities. The Prosecutor’s Office continues to pursue the case and is expected to soon also establish criminal responsibilities.

The departure of General Carlos Chávez Cateriano concludes a stage with operational merits, but also with episodes that left wounds among citizens. The FAP retains professional capabilities; However, the restoration of institutional weight will require the next commander general to make transparent decisions, security reforms and leadership, also in communication, that transforms and returns to the Air Force its image as an insurmountable institution.

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