DefenseColombia reportedly finalized a US$16.5 billion deal for 17 Saab Gripen E fighter jets
Colombia reportedly signed a contract to purchase 17 Saab Gripen E (NG) fighter jets on November 13th, after lengthy negotiations with the Swedish manufacturer, according to Blu Radio.
The US$16.5 billion deal, with payments scheduled until 2032, represents the largest public procurement of the century in the country and is structured to include technology transfer and offset agreements for the national industry.
Neither the government of President Gustavo Petro nor Saab had announced the agreement at the time of publication.
The contract was reportedly expanded from 16 to 17 aircraft before being finalized. The payment schedule includes a disbursement of US$100 million in 2026, with deliveries of the Gripen fighter jets scheduled to begin in 2027 and end in 2032.
The new jets will replace the Colombian Air Force’s aging Kfir fleet and will be equipped with advanced weapons systems. The agreement covers infrastructure adaptation and logistical support for integration into existing air bases.
The Gripen was chosen as the Colombian Air Force’s next fighter jet months ago, but negotiations have dragged on since then. The expectation was that the agreement would be signed in October, but pending issues delayed the outcome.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez stated days ago that the purchase would be finalized in November.
If confirmed, the signing of the contract will make Colombia the fourth operator of the new generation Gripen fighter jet, joining Sweden, Brazil, and Thailand, which together have already ordered 100 aircraft.
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