Peru chooses F-16 over Gripen: Why this is good for Ukraine

Peru has finalized its choice of a new fighter jet for its Air Force, opting for American F-16s instead of Swedish Gripen jets.

Peruvian outlets, cited by Defense Express, report that the tender to update Peru’s air force has been running since 2024. Gripen was initially the leading candidate, but after a political crisis — the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte and the government’s resignation — the decision was reconsidered. Early indications of the change emerged in early December 2025, and the F-16 contract is expected to be signed by mid-April, following the elections.

Peru currently operates up to nine combat-ready MiG-29s and up to 12 Mirage 2000s. The selected F-16s will be the latest Block 70 version. Peruvian media highlight two key arguments for this choice: these will be the most advanced F-16s in the region, and the deal represents a strategic alignment with the United States.

However, experts point to several caveats. Peru plans to purchase only up to 14 aircraft, which, even with high specifications, will not match Chile’s air force, which has 46 F-16s of various modifications and can further modernize its fighters.

A separate question is the price. In September 2025, the United States offered Peru a contract worth $3.42 billion for 12 F-16 Block 70s. The price includes a minimal weapons package — 12 AIM-120C-8 missiles, 12 AIM-9X missiles, and two sets of spare parts. This makes the cost of a single aircraft approximately $285 million.

By comparison, Colombia is acquiring Gripen aircraft at a price of about $220 million per unit — a deal validated by the state audit, which found it economically more advantageous, particularly when compared with French Rafale jets.

Although the price is high for Peru, the decision is positive for Ukraine. Firstly, it lowers the risk of repeating the situation where, at the insistence of the United States, used F-16s from Denmark were sold to Argentina instead of being transferred to Ukraine.

Secondly, Ukraine’s anticipated large order of 100–150 Gripen E/F fighters is expected to heavily occupy Saab’s production capacity. Peru stepping away from Gripen contracts reduces external orders and therefore decreases the risk of delays in delivering aircraft to Ukraine.