Peru chose Sweden's Gripen, then reversed to buy the American F-16 amid political chaos, a saga that captures the battle for South America's skies.
Latin America · Defense
Key Facts
—The reversal. Peru chose Sweden’s Gripen in 2025, then switched to the American F-16 in 2026.
—The price tag. The deal is worth around $3.5bn, financed through a long-term national loan.
—The chaos. The flip followed an impeachment and a rapid churn of presidents in Lima.
Peru's decision to move forward with the purchase of U.S.-made F-16 fighter aircraft is more than a military procurement story.
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The Trump administration has warned against Peru pulling out of the deal, saying it reflects 'bad faith' negotiations.
Peru’s interim president defers decision on the US$3.5 billion deal to his successor who will emerge from a run-off vote in June.
Colombia signed a $3.6bn deal for Sweden's Gripen fighter jet, but its American-made engine hands Washington quiet leverage over…
