Sweden has taken an important step toward expanding its presence in the Latin American defense market. The Swedish Parliament has authorized the government to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Peru for the sale of up to 12 JAS 39 Gripen E/F multirole fighter jets, including associated air defense systems.
This initiative is part of Saab’s strategy — the manufacturer of the fighters — to strengthen its presence in the region, following successful agreements with Brazil and, more recently, Colombia.
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The Gripen E/F is the most modern version of the Swedish fighter jet, equipped with an AESA ES-05 Raven radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, increased fuel capacity, and state-of-the-art avionics. If the deal is finalized, the number of Gripen fighters in South America will surpass 80 units, boosting interoperability among regional air forces and facilitating joint training and shared logistics.
Peru is looking to replace its aging fleet of MiG-29 and Mirage 2000P fighters, which have been in service for over three decades. In addition to the Gripen, the F-16V Block 70 by American company Lockheed Martin and the Rafale F4 by France’s Dassault are also contenders in the Peruvian bid.
To finance the initial acquisition of 12 aircraft, the Peruvian government plans to secure a $2 billion loan from Banco de la Nación. One of the key factors in the selection process will be industrial cooperation. Saab is proposing a model similar to the one implemented in Brazil, offering local production and technology transfer — which could boost Peru’s defense industry and create specialized jobs.
The final decision from the Peruvian government is expected in the coming months, and choosing the Gripen could further consolidate Saab’s presence in Latin America, strengthening strategic and industrial ties with countries in the region.
Source and images: regeringen / Saab. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
