DefenseColombia to Order 16 Saab Gripen E/F Fighters in Deal with Sweden
Colombia has confirmed plans to purchase 16 Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden in a landmark agreement aimed at modernizing the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC). The announcement was made by Defense Minister Iván Velásquez following high-level meetings with President Gustavo Petro and military leadership.
The announcement does not anticipate which variants will be ordered, but estimates the first delivery is expected to be 14 to 18 months after the contract is signed, provisionally scheduled for September 2025.
“This is not just about buying aircraft, but acquiring superior capabilities, including weapon systems and technology transfer,” said Velásquez. The Gripen jets will replace the aging fleet of Kfir fighters and usher in a new era for the Colombian Air Force.
The defense minister emphasized that the deal also has a strong social and industrial component. Colombian ministries of Finance, Energy, Housing, and Health have been involved in evaluating how the offset agreements tied to the purchase can benefit the country beyond defense — through job creation, technology sharing, and economic development.
By July 20, the government expects to finalize the total contract value. However, the initial fleet of 16 jets could be expanded, depending on how the long-term budget is structured and future negotiations evolve.
Colombia has studied the Gripen program in depth, including lessons learned from Brazil’s acquisition of the same aircraft. A Colombian delegation recently visited Brazil to assess operational performance and contract execution, and to incorporate best practices into their own agreement.
Although the U.S., France, Spain, and South Korea submitted competing offers, the Colombian government opted for Saab’s Gripen based on a combination of performance, cost, industrial cooperation, and delivery timelines.
The decision comes after nearly a decade of technical, operational, and financial analysis by a multidisciplinary FAC team.
If finalized as planned, Colombia will become the second country in Latin America, after Brazil, to operate the Gripen NG, placing the nation among those investing in advanced fourth-plus generation fighter technology.
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