DefensePeru Set to Select Saab Gripen E as New Fighter Jet in $3.5 Billion Deal
Peru is reportedly poised to select the Saab Gripen E as its new multirole fighter aircraft in a deal valued at approximately US$3.5 billion, according to local media outlet Peru21.pe.
The Swedish-built Gripen E is said to have outperformed two strong competitors: the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 and the Dassault Rafale. The decision comes as the Peruvian government moves forward with plans to modernize its aging air combat fleet.
A key development is expected on July 10, when Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson visits Lima to meet with his Peruvian counterpart, Walter Astudillo.
During the visit, the two governments are likely to announce a preliminary agreement for the acquisition of 24 Gripen E jets, marking a major step in bilateral defense cooperation.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte underscored the urgency of fleet renewal during an address this week at a Peruvian Air Force (FAP) base, where she commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Mirage 2000—currently the backbone of the country’s air defense.
While Boluarte did not specify the selected aircraft, she confirmed that “our government has made the historic decision to renew our air fleet.”
Strengthened position in the South American defense market
If finalized, the selection of the Gripen E would represent Saab’s third major success in recent months. The Swedish aerospace firm recently secured a fighter contract in Thailand and has been named as the preferred choice by Colombia to replace its aging IAI Kfir jets, with a final agreement expected later this year.
Peru’s reported choice of the Gripen E was heavily influenced by Saab’s offset package, which includes commitments to invest in local industry for the production, maintenance, and support of the aircraft—an offer that set it apart from its rivals.
The Peruvian Air Force currently operates a diverse mix of combat aircraft, including 11 Mirage 2000Ps, eight MiG-29s, eight Su-25s, and 20 Cessna A-37 Dragonfly light attack jets.
The introduction of the Gripen E would represent a significant leap in capability, offering advanced avionics, network-centric warfare features, and reduced operational costs.
The Peru Gripen deal could further strengthen Saab’s position in the Latin American defense market, where competition among Western and Russian suppliers remains intense.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
