As part of the modernization of the Peruvian Air Force’s fighter fleet, the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) has ratified the authorization to finalize the sale of 12 Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets to the Peruvian institution. This decision, adopted on June 11, 2025, through the approval of the Amended Budget, grants the Swedish state the authority to formalize an intergovernmental agreement and ensures that the revenue from the sale will cover the projected expenditures for Sweden. With this authorization, the Scandinavian country further consolidates the Gripen E/F as a strong candidate for the renewal of Peru’s combat air wings.
This approval coincides with the final stage of the selection process being carried out by the Peruvian Air Force to replace its aging fleet of Mirage 2000P and MiG-29 fighters, aircraft that have been in service for over four decades and currently suffer from limited operational availability. Peru’s plan involves acquiring 24 next-generation fighters in two phases: the first batch of 12 aircraft will be financed through a $2 billion loan approved by the Banco de la Nación del Perú and included in the 2025 national budget, while the second batch of 12 aircraft is scheduled for funding in the 2026 budget with an allocation of $1.5 billion.
According to statements made by General Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano, Commander General of the Peruvian Air Force, the final selection of the new combat platform is based on the evaluation of the latest technical, operational, and financial proposals submitted by the competing manufacturers. In this final phase, the Gripen E/F was evaluated alongside Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70 and Dassault’s Rafale F4.
The final decision will also require approval from multiple Peruvian government bodies, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Defense, and the Office of the President. It is important to note that this step constitutes a legal and institutional formality to ensure that the final decision aligns with technical, economic, and logistical criteria, and will be monitored by Peru’s Office of the Comptroller General.
Sweden’s decision reflects the growing regional adoption of the Gripen E/F, positioning it as a top-tier option for modernizing Latin American air forces. The aircraft is currently in operation with the Brazilian Air Force, which has a fleet of ten units (nine in production configuration and one prototype), marking a significant milestone in Saab’s commercial expansion in South America.
This initial adoption was recently followed by the Colombian Aerospace Force’s selection of the Gripen E/F, officially confirmed by President Gustavo Petro, with formal contract signing expected in September. Now, with the Swedish Parliament’s authorization for the deal with Peru, the Gripen’s standing in the region is further strengthened, emerging as a highly capable and efficient alternative for combat aviation renewal.
With the planned acquisition of 24 Gripen fighters, the Peruvian Air Force will ensure the continued operational readiness of its combat aviation assets amid growing challenges to regional air defense. By standardizing its fleet on a single platform, the FAP aims to improve logistical efficiency, long-term sustainability, and operational preparedness, enhancing its strategic posture in South America.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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