Gripen Beats F-16 and Rafale in Peru’s Tender

The Swedish Gripen E defeated the American F-16 Block 70 and French Rafale F4 in a tender for the purchase of 24 multi-role fighter jets in Peru.

Defence24 reported on this, citing local media Perú21.

As a result of the tender, Peru will purchase 24 Saab Gripen E multi-role aircraft along with accompanying packages worth $3.5 billion.

It is reported that the procurement agreement is expected to be signed on July 10 of this year. On that day, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson will visit Lima to meet with his Peruvian counterpart, Walter Astudillo.

This purchase is expected to initiate Swedish-Peruvian defense cooperation and allow for the modernization of Peru’s aging combat aircraft fleet. Currently, the country operates 11 Mirage 2000P fighters, 8 MiG-29 fighters, 8 Su-25 attack aircraft, and 20 Cessna Dragonfly light attack aircraft.

The Perú21 portal reports that the decisive factors in Gripen’s victory were localization and the attractive economic offer.

The aircraft purchase will be financed through a loan from Peru’s national bank, Banco de la Nación. In 2025, $2 billion will be allocated, and the remaining $1.5 billion will be provided in 2026. This debt is expected to be repaid by the national treasury over a period of 18 to 24 years.

Such a purchase is a significant financial commitment for Peru, as the entire defense budget for 2025 amounts to only $2.371 billion.