Colombia to Acquire Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets to Replace Ageing Kfir Fleet

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has officially announced that the country will acquire Saab Gripen multirole fighter jets from Sweden. This move aims to replace Colombia’s ageing fleet of Israeli-made IAI Kfir aircraft, which have been in service for over 30 years.

“The fleet of aircraft to be purchased is completely new, the latest technology, already introduced in Brazil — it’s the Saab Gripen,” Petro confirmed on social media platform X. He also stated that a letter of intent has already been signed with Sweden regarding the procurement.

Although the exact number and cost of the Gripen jets have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest that Sweden has offered Colombia a total of 12 aircraft. However, earlier defense discussions indicated that Colombia was considering purchasing around 16 fighter jets as part of a broader air force modernization plan. The country had previously allocated approximately USD 3.65 billion for this initiative in 2023.

Why Colombia Chose the Gripen?

Colombia had been evaluating multiple fighter jet options, including the American F-16 and the French Rafale, before finalizing the Gripen. Defence Minister Iván Velásquez emphasized that the decision was based on the aircraft’s capability to strengthen national defense and counter threats from armed insurgent groups. The Gripen was ultimately chosen due to its advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and operational performance.

Saab Gripen Specifications

The Saab Gripen is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft known for its agility, advanced avionics, and affordability. Some key specifications include:

• Engine: Volvo RM12 (based on General Electric F404) for Gripen C/D, and General Electric F414G for Gripen E/F

• Speed: Mach 2 (2,400 km/h)

• Range: 3,200 km with external fuel tanks

• Combat Radius: Approx. 1,500 km

• Weapons:

  • Meteor, AIM-120 AMRAAM, IRIS-T, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles

  • KEPD 350 cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs for ground attack

  • 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon

• Radar: AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar for superior targeting

• Electronic Warfare System: Advanced jamming and countermeasure capabilities

The Gripen has already been adopted by multiple air forces, including those of Sweden, Brazil, and Hungary. Its ability to operate from short runways, carry a variety of weapons, and integrate with NATO systems makes it an ideal choice for Colombia’s evolving defense strategy.

With this acquisition, Colombia aims to enhance its aerial capabilities, ensuring the protection of its airspace while modernizing its military to meet future challenges.