Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The JAS 39 Gripen E/F is currently operated by the Brazilian and Swedish Air Forces. (Photo: Saab)
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
Colombia’s President has announced its selection of the JAS 39 E/F Gripen aircraft to replace its ageing Israeli Kfir fighter fleet.
Shared via a post on X, President Gustavo Petro disclosed that following a letter of intent signed by Sweden, Colombia would acquire the Jas 39 Gripen.
While the number of aircraft to be acquired was not disclosed, Colombia has been discussing a replacement for its Kfir aircraft since 2018. The aircraft in the running were Lockheed Martin’s F-16, Dassault’s Rafale and Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen. From 2023, Colombia allocated around US$3.6 billion in its budget for the acquisition
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project]()
European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project
The multi-mission uncrewed platform project is aiming to help the EU agency define new drone designs that are capable of performing a wide range of mission sets with one adaptable airframe.
-
![Anduril marks new milestones with YFQ-44A flight tests as USAF plans further demos]()
Anduril marks new milestones with YFQ-44A flight tests as USAF plans further demos
A production decision on Increment 1 of the CCA Programme is due to be made by the end of the year, with further demonstrations building on F-22 Raptor and MQ-20 Avenger teaming flight tests.
-
![First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion]()
First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion
The US is currently escalating its efforts to acquire more than 300,000 low-cost one-way attack drones, with the confirmed use of these platforms against Iran in recent days emphasising their growing use in combat.
-
![UK MoD awards Leonardo with £1 billion New Medium Helicopter contract]()
UK MoD awards Leonardo with £1 billion New Medium Helicopter contract
The £1 billion contract has secured jobs at Leonardo’s Yeovil site and will provide the British forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters.
-
![NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort]()
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
![UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO]()
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.
