Mexico plans to purchase 12 modern fighter jets by 2028 to replace the aging F-5E/F Tiger IIs, which have been in service since the early 1980s. This was reported by Defense Express with reference to Janes, according to UNN.
Details
According to the Commander of the Mexican Air Force, Román Carmona Landa, the main candidates for the purchase include the American F-16, the Swedish Gripen, as well as the South Korean FA-50 and the Italian M-346.
Defense Express notes that a potential contract for the Gripen is also significant for Ukraine, which previously announced plans to acquire 100–150 of these aircraft. New orders could place additional strain on Saab's production capacity and component suppliers.
Mexico may choose cheaper aircraft
The publication emphasizes that price remains a key factor for Mexico, as the country currently has only five combat-ready F-5s in its Air Force.
According to analysts, a more pragmatic choice for the Mexican military could be the lighter and cheaper FA-50 or M-346, which are better suited for internal operations against drug cartels and cost significantly less than full-fledged fighter jets.
At the same time, Defense Express believes that the United States could influence Mexico's choice. The article notes that Washington is actively promoting American F-16s in the Latin American market and may exert political pressure to prevent European competitors, particularly the Swedish Gripen, from strengthening their positions.
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