Colombia Confirms Gripen Jet Purchase

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has confirmed the country's acquisition of Saab 39 Gripen fighter jets, replacing its aging fleet of Israeli-origin Kfir aircraft.

The deal follows a letter of intent with Sweden and the classification of strategic air defense as a national priority. The agreement includes industrial and social offset projects, such as a solar panel production plant in Córdoba, drinking water installations in La Guajira, and medical facility upgrades at Bogotá’s San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Colombia had been considering options, including U.S.-made F-16s and France’s Rafale, before selecting Sweden’s Gripen. In 2023, the government allocated a $3.65 billion budget for approximately 16 aircraft. The agreement is expected to be formalized at the F-AIR Colombia 2025 airshow, where Sweden will be the guest country of honor.

Defense Minister Iván Velásquez recently warned that illegal armed groups have expanded their military capabilities, taking advantage of ongoing peace efforts. Groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have increased their territorial control through drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Velásquez also addressed concerns over U.S. military aid reductions, saying that cuts could hinder Colombia’s anti-narcotics operations. Washington provides around $400 million annually, but funding has gradually decreased in recent years.