Following Thailand Deal, Lima Considers Saab Gripen to Modernize Air Force
Just days after Sweden finalized a $550 million deal with Thailand for four Gripen E/F fighter jets, a high-level Peruvian delegation visited Stockholm to discuss acquiring Saab’s Gripen for their own modernization efforts.
Productive Talks in Stockholm
„We had good and productive discussions,” Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson told Breaking Defense after meetings at Karlberg Palace on Wednesday, regarding a potential Gripen deal with Lima. „This is for the Peruvians to make up their mind on what platform that best corresponds to their operational needs. We think that Saab has an attractive offer.”
The Peruvian delegation, led by Defense Minister Walter Astudillo, is touring Europe to conduct final evaluations and review updated proposals for the Swedish Saab Gripen E and the French Dassault Rafale F4. Previously, a similar delegation visited a Lockheed Martin facility in the US in May to explore the possibility of acquiring F-16s.
Seeking a Modern Fleet
The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) currently operates a fleet of Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets, acquired in the 1980s, and Russian-made Sukhoi Su-25s, purchased secondhand from Belarus in the 1990s.
FAP Commander, Gen. Enrique Chavez Cateriano has emphasized the urgent need for a modern fleet of 24 multi-role aircraft to „protect the sovereignty and integrity of our country for the next 30-40 years.”
Global Eye Airborne Early Warning Platform Also Discussed
In Stockholm, Defense Minister Jonson noted that discussions also encompassed Saab’s Global Eye airborne early warning and control platform.
„There was just deliberation in that regard. We discussed many aspects of Swedish Defense Force postures,” Jonson said.
Up to 24 Gripens on the Table
The Swedish parliament, Riksdagen, has authorized the government to negotiate a deal for up to 12 Gripen aircraft. While Lima has expressed its desire for 24 aircraft, the Swedish Defense Minister suggested that negotiating for a larger number would be feasible.
„Yeah, that’s always an ongoing dialog on the government agency level, between the Peruvian side and the Swedish side. We think we have an attractive offer, and also we certainly could adapt to any requirements that the Peruvian side expresses,” he said.
Concerns Over Combat Record Addressed
Some Peruvian media had previously voiced concerns about the Gripen E’s lack of a proven combat record. However, these concerns may have been mitigated by reports that the Thai air force used Gripen C/D jets for a strike mission in a July 2025 border conflict with Cambodia.
Offset Package Likely
Similar to Sweden’s recent Gripen deal with Thailand, a potential Saab deal with Peru would likely include an offset package encompassing technology transfers, industrial cooperation, and investments in Peru’s economy.
Saab’s Expanding Footprint in South America
A Peruvian contract would further expand Saab’s presence in South America, adding another operator of its Gripen fighter jets. Colombia’s recent selection of the Gripen further solidifies Saab’s regional growth.
Saab already maintains a close partnership with Brazil through its Gripen program, which includes a production line in Sao Paulo for development, final assembly, testing, and evaluation. In 2014, Brazil signed a $5.4 billion contract with Saab for 36 Gripen aircraft — 28 single-seat Gripen E models and 8 two-seat Gripen F variants — with deliveries slated for completion by 2027.
