Peru Finalizes $3.5 Billion Deal for 24 Swedish Gripen E/F Fighters, Rejecting French Rafale and US F-16 Offers
Wiley Stickney | July 5, 2025The Peruvian government has officially confirmed the purchase of 24 Swedish Gripen E/F multirole fighter jets, concluding a landmark defense procurement process that has spanned several years and drawn global attention. The decision, announced by President Dina Boluarte, marks Peru’s most significant air power investment in decades, valued at approximately $3.5 billion.
This acquisition follows the extensive evaluation of competing bids from France’s Dassault Rafale F4 and the United States’ Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, with the Swedish Saab Gripen E/F ultimately prevailing due to its competitive pricing, expedited delivery schedule, and attractive offset agreements. . .
. . . Despite strong competition from France and the US, Saab’s Gripen E/F emerged as the preferred option for several key reasons. Cost was a major factor, with the unit price of the Gripen E estimated between $110 million and $120 million, significantly undercutting the Rafale F4 and F-16 Block 70, which reportedly ranged between $170 million and $240 million per aircraft.
Delivery timelines also played a decisive role. Saab has committed to delivering the first two Gripen E fighters by July 23, 2026, aligning with the FAP’s anniversary celebrations, while full delivery is expected within 24 months of contract signing. By comparison, the Rafale and F-16 proposals required at least 60 months for initial deliveries. . .
https://boltflight.com/peru-finalizes-3-5-billion-deal-for-24-swedish-gripen-e-f-fighters-rejecting-french-rafale-and-us-f-16-offers/
