Vice President Victoria Villarruel criticized the Defense Ministry over the purchase of an Embraer aircraft for the Air Force. The deal raises suspicions of irregularities and overpricing.
Villarruel posted a message on X in which she described the purchase as extremely serious. She noted that years ago far less would have prompted all those involved to resign, while military personnel salaries remain low and the armed forces' health service faces a severe deficit.
The Air Force paid 4,085,000 dollars for an Embraer ERJ-140LR. A similar model was offered for 2,300,000 dollars. Technical reports identified corrosion problems, oil leaks and missing equipment in the aircraft.
Former minister Luis Petri stated that he reported the case to federal justice in November 2025. Four other plane purchases made since 2021 are also under investigation for similar irregularities.
