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EMBRAER AND GRIPEN FOR PERU
July 5, 2025
Sale of Gripen E/F fighters to Peru and Colombia paves the way for joint production with Embraer
Brazil could position itself as a regional hub for the manufacturing and maintenance of the Swedish fighter
*LRCA Defense Consulting - 07/05/2025
In a moment that could be emblematic for the South American defense industry, Peru announced yesterday (04) the acquisition of 24 Gripen E/F fighters, produced by the Swedish company Saab. This move comes shortly after Colombia, in early April, confirmed the purchase of a batch of 16 to 24 aircraft of the same model.
Although it was announced by the President of Peru herself, Dina Boluarte, the deal is still awaiting the signing of a presidential decree of national interest, scheduled for this month, authorizing the use of the resources necessary for the acquisition of the new fighters.
If the contract goes ahead, Peru will become the third Latin American country to operate the Gripen, after Brazil and Colombia.
Embraer as a natural partner
Embraer is already a partner in the Gripen program in Brazil, working in the production of aerostructures, avionics and systems integration. The accumulated know-how will serve as a basis for future contracts for Peru and Colombia that also include the involvement of the Brazilian company.
Saab has already stated that it sees Embraer as a regional industrial hub, capable of serving multiple Latin American customers, which facilitates logistics, reduces transportation costs and speeds up delivery times.
However, during the discussions that led to the Peruvian decision, sources from the country's defense department expressed concern about the potential logistical dependence on Brazil, especially under the current government.
Intensified regional cooperation
Producing in Brazil would bring significant operational and geopolitical benefits, such as:
- Significant cost reduction and faster delivery to neighboring countries, which already cooperate militarily with Brazil.
- Greater logistical autonomy and agility for maintenance and technical support, with the possibility of transferring part of the final assembly to Peru and Colombia themselves.
- Consolidation of Brazil as a regional defense hub, with permanent industrial and economic gains.
Announcement details
In Colombia, although the contract is still in the negotiation phase, the operational issues are well underway, with a possible signing between July and September 2025 and subsequent delivery of the first units 16 to 18 months later.
In the case of Peru, the Swedish Defense Minister, Pål Jonson, is expected to arrive in the country on July 10 for a bilateral meeting with his Peruvian counterpart, Walter Astudillo Chávez, in a visit that should finalize the intergovernmental agreement on the fighter jets. The Swedish minister and Saab CEO Micael Johansson will also be present at the 12th edition of the Colombian International Aeronautics and Space Fair, which will be held from July 9 to 13 at the José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro, Antioquia, where they are expected to meet with Colombian and Peruvian authorities.
Strategic perspectives
A co-production arrangement similar to Brazil's, with Embraer supplying structures and systems, and with final assembly possibly in Brazil (or even, in part, on Peruvian or Colombian soil, according to offset clauses), combined with the possibility of Embraer approaching a robust contract for more than 40 units (both countries combined), would create enormous synergy with the Brazilian production line.
With this, Brazil could expand its leadership position in defense in Latin America, with a positive impact on income, skilled jobs, taxes and industrial prominence.
What's next
July/September 2025: possible official signing of the contract with Colombia.
By the end of the year or beginning of 2026: conclusion of formal negotiations with Peru, including the definition of Embraer's involvement.
In 2026/2027: arrival of the first Colombian aircraft and inauguration of a new phase of regional production of the Gripen for the continent.
Strategic industrial center
The progress of the agreements with Colombia and Peru could consolidate Brazil, especially Embraer and its system of companies involved, as a strategic industrial center for the assembly and logistics of fighter jets in Latin America, establishing the company as Saab's main industrial partner in the region, given that, in this scenario, it will carry out partial manufacturing, assembly, support and maintenance of the Gripen E/F fighter jets for the three countries.
https://www.lrcadefenseconsulting.com/2025/07/venda-de-cacas-gripen-ef-para-peru-e.html
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