The Gripen came a close second but the F-16C/D was selected based on a 'mates rates' price with training package (pilots + ground support) from the US:
Also in the running were 2nd hand BAE GR.9 Harriers from the UK;
2nd hand upgraded General Dynamics/ Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM;
2nd hand McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing F-4E Phantom II's upgraded by Israel Aerospace Industries;
2nd hand upgraded McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets;
And on the wish list were the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornets;
And the Chief of the Airforce's wet dream, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II:
Eliminated early on was a rotor wing CAS only option, the Boeing AH-64D Apache: