Peru is on the verge of a decisive military procurement, planning to acquire 24 fighter jets to modernize its aging Air Force (FAP) fleet. This deal, valued at US$3.5 billion, represents one of the most significant military decisions in recent decades.

In this context, the government has officially authorized the travel of the Minister of Defense, Walter Astudillo Chávez, the Foreign Minister, Elmer Schialer, and the Commander General of the FAP, Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano, to Sweden and France. These nations host two of the three main competitors in the tender: Saab and Dassault Aviation, manufacturers of the Gripen E and Rafale 4 models, respectively. The official trip, from August 25-29, includes high-level meetings in Stockholm and Paris with defense and foreign relations authorities, as well as technical encounters with both corporations.

Supreme Decrees N.° 172-2025-PCM and N.° 174-2025-PCM, published in the Official Gazette, formalize the departure of the ministers and delegate their duties to the President of the Council of Ministers during the mission. Concurrently, Ministerial Resolution N.° 01017-2025-DE authorizes the participation of the FAP chief, ensuring the complete political-military team travels to finalize negotiation details.

Key Indicators

This acquisition signals Peru's commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities, potentially shifting the air power dynamics in South America.
The substantial investment underscores the government's prioritization of national security and defense modernization.

Regional Perspective

This decision is critical for Peru, which risks strategic lag in the region. Colombia recently finalized a deal for 16 Gripen aircraft from Saab, while Peru's FAP operates with one of the lowest numbers of active aircraft in South America. This situation creates urgency for Peru to upgrade its fleet, essential not only for military deterrence but also for border security, counter-narcotics operations, and humanitarian missions.

Immediate Implications

The Peruvian delegation is expected to return with a near-final decision on the fighter jet acquisition before the end of the third quarter.
The trip presents an opportunity for Peru to secure favorable negotiation terms, particularly regarding technology transfer, training, and maintenance, mitigating future risks.
While the Lockheed Martin F-16 option is not officially discarded, its lower probability grants Lima negotiation leverage in European discussions.