BOGOTÁ (Agencies): Colombia has officially selected the Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to replace its aging fleet of Israeli-built IAI Kfir aircraft, marking a major step in modernizing its air force capabilities. President Gustavo Petro confirmed the decision via social media on April 2, announcing the signing of a letter of intent (LoI) with Sweden.
The deal, still under negotiation, is expected to involve the purchase of between 16 and 24 Gripen E/F variants, with a contract value estimated at a minimum of EUR 2 billion (USD 2.2 billion), according to defense sources. Saab CEO Micael Johansson said discussions regarding the final cost, configuration, and armament packages are expected to conclude “in the months to come.”
The Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana – FAC) currently operates 16 Kfir C10 fighter-bombers, which are approaching the end of their service life. An FAC official noted that the acquisition is aimed at preserving critical air combat capabilities that are in decline.
“This decision has been studied for decades,” said Colombia’s Minister of National Defense Pedro Sánchez on April 3. “We thank the countries that were interested in presenting the different offers.”
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sweden’s Saab AB, designed to perform a wide range of missions including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. Known for its agility, advanced avionics, and cost-effectiveness, the Gripen is among the most sophisticated lightweight fighters in the world.
The Gripen E/F variants, selected by Colombia, are equipped with:
- AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array) for enhanced targeting and tracking
- Infrared search and track (IRST) system for passive detection
- Modern electronic warfare systems and data fusion capabilities
- Advanced weapon integration, including Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles
- Network-centric warfare capabilities, allowing real-time data sharing with other assets
The aircraft is designed for ease of maintenance, has short runway capability, and is known for low operating costs, making it attractive for nations seeking high performance without the price tag of larger fighter platforms.
Over the years, Colombia has also evaluated the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, MiG-35, and Lockheed Martin F-16 as possible replacements for its Kfirs. However, the Gripen’s modern capabilities, affordability, and long-term sustainability helped seal its selection.
Once finalized, the deal will represent one of the largest defense procurements in Colombia’s history, significantly boosting the operational effectiveness and deterrence capabilities of the FAC for decades to come.