Peru Buys F-16s Instead of Gripen, Despite Tender Win

The Peruvian military has decided to purchase the American F-16 Block 70 fighter jet, rejecting the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen that won last year’s tender.

The local newspaper Expreso reported on this, citing sources in Peru’s Ministry of Defense.

According to the report, the Peruvian government plans to buy 24 F-16 Block 70 fighters. The official announcement of the deal is expected in mid-April, after the 2026 general elections.

The total value of the procurement is estimated at around $7 billion. By comparison, Sweden was prepared to supply 24 Gripen fighter jets for $3.5 billion.

According to Expreso, Peru is leaning toward the F-16 due to a package of advantages offered by Washington that neither Sweden nor France – also a participant in the tender – was able to match.

The procurement is taking place against the backdrop of Peru’s planned designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States – a strategic status that provides preferential access to weapons and special financing programs.

Back in September 2025, the United States approved a possible sale to Peru of 12 F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets, along with a logistics and software support package, with a total value of $3.5 billion.

F-16 Block 70

The F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced production version of the American multirole F-16 fighter aircraft, also known as the F-16V (Viper).

A key feature of the Block 70 is the AN/APG-83 SABR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which significantly improves target detection range, resistance to electronic warfare, and weapon guidance accuracy.

The aircraft is equipped with modernized avionics, a new mission computer, a digital cockpit with a large-area display, and advanced communications and data-link systems, including Link 16, enabling full integration into network-centric operations.

The F-16 Block 70 is capable of employing a wide range of modern Western weapons, including guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

Particular emphasis has been placed on service life and survivability: the airframe is rated for more than 12,000 flight hours, while an integrated self-defense suite enhances the aircraft’s chances of survival in environments with dense air defense systems.

The F-16 Block 70/72 has already been selected or is in service with a number of countries. These include Bahrain and Slovakia, which were the first to receive the aircraft, as well as Bulgaria, Jordan, and Taiwan, which have ordered new fighters in this configuration.

In addition, the Block 70 version has been purchased by Morocco and selected by the Philippines.