Colombia is set to buy Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet to renew its fleet of planes, according to President Gustavo Petro. The Colombian Air Force has been evaluating options for months and has been considering several European fighter jets to enable it to replace its aging Kfir fleet and maintain the country’s air defense capabilities.
Colombia picks JAS 39 Gripen to replace its Kfir fighter jets
Following President Gustavo Petro’s diplomatic break with Israel, Colombia faced an immediate defense challenge, as the Israeli-developed Kfir jets were the backbone of the nation’s fleet. With only 10 of the 19 Kfirs C12 currently operational, Colombia was at risk of losing combat-ready aircraft due to the need for Israeli maintenance.
After months of speculation, Colombia has chosen the JAS 39 Gripen as its new fighter jet. Developed by Swedish manufacturer Saab, the JAS 39 Gripen is a fourth-generation fighter jet known for its ease of maintenance and low operating costs.
President Petro made the announcement yesterday on his X.com account: “After the letter of intent signed by the government of the Kingdom of Sweden and the approval of the country’s strategic air defense as a prioritized project, I inform: The fleet of aircraft to be acquired is completely new, featuring the latest technology, already implemented in Brazil, and consists of Saab 39 Gripen models.”
According to the President, the deal includes several investments with social purpose across Colombia. “There will be compensation in social investment, which will include a factory for the production of flexible solar panels with cutting-edge technology, to be located in the department of Córdoba; the installation of potable water systems at various points in the department of La Guajira; and the restoration and installation of state-of-the-art medical technology equipment in the central tower of the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Bogota,” he said.
Ekot, a Swedish broadcaster, had informed of the decision a few months ago, stating the purchase will first consist of three or four fighters, with a final objective of obtaining 10 to 16. “That’s what it has sounded like in the discussions. Colombian analysts believe that [the purchase will be] about three or four to begin with, but in the long run, [it will be] between 10-16 until you have a complete fleet,” said a correspondent from Ekot radio at the time.
Alongside the JAS Gripen, the Colombian air force considered several alternatives, including the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, used by Chile and Venezuela; the Eurofighter Typhoon, used by several Western countries; and France’s Dassault Rafale, a highly regarded but costly aircraft.
The JAS 39 Gripen is currently operated by seven countries: Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, and Brazil, which has ordered 36 of the jets.