SANTIAGO, Chile, June 2 (UPI) -- Chilean officials insist that their recent purchase of new military vehicles, ships and planes will not disrupt the strategic balance in the region.
Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet said that Chile is merely replacing old equipment, not trying to start an arms war. The purchase is worth a reported $500 million and includes tanks, fighter planes and navel vessels.
Peruvian officials disagree, however, and have voiced their objection to Chile's arms purchases.
German Parra, a Peruvian general, said the purchase "unbalances the strategic stability in the region," El Mercurio newspaper reported Thursday.
Much has been made recently of South American nations bolstering their armaments.
Last month Venezuela finalized an arms deal with Russia for the purchase of 100,000 assault rifles.
The deal was condemned by neighboring Colombia and the United States, both expressing concerns that the weapons could wind up in the hands of Colombia's left-wing rebels.
