Peru's Ministry of Defence finally chose American F-16s in the Air Force fleet renewal competition, currently numbering up to 9 MiG-29s in flying condition and up to 12 Mirage 2000s. A whole range of Peruvian media reports this citing sources in defense ministry.
Such development was quite expected, as first insider reports that Peru reconsidered buying Gripen and inclined toward F-16 dated back to early December 2025. But now it's noted that concluding the corresponding agreement is expected already in mid-April, right after elections.
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The latter is important because Peru plunged into political crisis last autumn, with President Dina Boluarte's impeachment plus entire government resignation. Although Lima received Sweden's consent for new Gripen sale back in April, the government didn't manage to contract fighters by that time.
Meanwhile, F-16 choice argumentation now actively replicated in local press is quite simple. First thesis this will be the fighter's newest version, as newest Block 70s are being purchased, unlike two other regional operators of this aircraft Chile and Argentina. Second, this procurement has great political significance and will mean rapprochement with U.S.
Both theses need clarification. Because Peru plans to purchase only up to 14 fighters. With such a fleet, despite its quality, it will still be quite difficult to conditionally oppose Chilean Air Forces, which have 46 used F-16s, 36 F-16 AM/BM from Netherlands plus 10 F-16C/D from U.S. Moreover, Santiago may well decide to upgrade their fleet.
But rapprochement cost with U.S. may turn out very high. Because Washington in September 2025 set astronomical price for its F-16 Block 70 for Peru $3.42 billion for 12 fighters (10 single-seat, 2 two-seat versions). The sum also included minimalistic weapons quantity 12 AIM-120C-8 missiles and 12 AIM-9X, plus two spare parts kits.
If price remains in force, then Lima must pay $285 million per F-16 Block 70. Meanwhile, Peruvians were very optimistically wanting to spend $3.5 billion on 24 fighters and evaluated not only F-16 and Gripen but also Rafale.
For comparison, Gripen price for neighboring Colombia is $220 million,confirmed along with all legality and fairness of deal by state audit. Which also noted Sweden's offer was more economically advantageous than Rafale.
But for Ukraine, Peru's decision to spend more funds purchasing new F-16s is undoubtedly positive. First, this is better than repeating the situation with selling used Danish F-16s to Argentina under U.S. directive, which were designated for Ukraine.
Second, Ukraine's expected order for 100-150 Gripen E/F is huge, therefore its execution will very heavily load Saab production capacities. Any other additional contracts will dilute concentration and extend timelines for Ukraine receiving these fighters.
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