Colombia is set to finalize a $1.9 billion deal with Sweden in October 2025 for the purchase of 18 Saab Gripen E fighter jets. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that only final adjustments on offset conditions remain before the official signing with the presidency. The package will be financed through a long-term credit line provided by the Swedish government, including an eight-year grace period, making it one of the largest defense investments in Colombia’s history.
The new Gripen fleet will replace the aging Kfir jets of the Colombian Air Force, which have become increasingly costly to maintain. In recent years, some aircraft had to be cannibalized for spare parts, highlighting the urgency of modernization. Previous offers from the U.S. F-16 and France’s Rafale were evaluated but ultimately deemed financially and logistically unfeasible. China also proposed its J-10CE jets earlier this year, yet Saab’s Gripen stood out with favorable financing, technology transfer, and operational flexibility.
The agreement extends beyond the military domain. Offset projects will include initiatives in renewable energy, clean water access, and healthcare infrastructure. Designed as a multirole fighter, the Gripen E offers advanced avionics, high maneuverability, a wide weapons portfolio, and rapid turnaround times, enabling it to operate effectively in Colombia’s challenging geography. With this purchase, Colombia will become the second Latin American operator of the Gripen E after Brazil, marking a significant milestone in its long-term defense modernization strategy.
