Colombia selects the Swedish Gripen fighter jet over the F-16 for its defense modernization

In a major step towards military modernization, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that the Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana, the country’s air force, will procure Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden to replace its outdated fleet of Israeli-made IAI Kfir aircraft.

This announcement, shared on social media, represents a crucial turning point for Colombia as it aims to enhance its aerial capabilities in response to regional tensions and domestic security issues. Although details regarding the number of aircraft and the overall expenditure have not been revealed, this decision indicates a significant shift away from decades of dependence on older technology, marking a new phase in Colombia’s defense strategy.

The selection of the Gripen, a contemporary multirole fighter, over alternatives such as the American F-16 or the French Rafale, has raised questions about the geopolitical and operational consequences for this South American country.

The news was first reported when Petro posted on X, indicating that the Colombian Air Force would soon incorporate the advanced Swedish jets into its fleet, a claim corroborated by defense-oriented accounts like SA Defensa. For years, Colombia has faced challenges with its Kfir fleet, which has been in service since the late 1980s and has become increasingly expensive to maintain.

The decision to adopt the Gripen E/F follows extensive discussions, with Bogotá considering proposals from various international manufacturers. This acquisition is not merely about replacing outdated equipment; it signifies a broader goal to strengthen Colombia’s sovereignty in a region characterized by instability, particularly concerning neighboring Venezuela, which operates Russian-made Su-30MKV jets.

To appreciate the importance of this decision, it is essential to examine the capabilities of the Saab Gripen E/F. Developed by the Swedish aerospace firm Saab AB, the Gripen is a single-engine, multirole fighter known for its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability.

The latest version, the E/F variant, achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2, which is roughly 1,500 miles per hour, and has a combat radius that exceeds 800 miles without the need for refueling. Powered by the General Electric F414 engine, an American-engineered component, it generates 22,000 pounds of thrust, allowing for quick responses and prolonged missions.

A key highlight of this aircraft is its active electronically scanned array radar (AESA), which offers exceptional detection and tracking capabilities over long distances, even against stealth targets.

In addition to its advanced electronic warfare systems, the Gripen can disrupt enemy sensors and safeguard itself in contested airspace. It is equipped to carry a wide range of munitions, including air-to-air missiles like the Meteor and precision-guided bombs for ground attacks, making it a versatile asset for both defensive and offensive operations.

In contrast to heavier fighters such as the American F-35 or Russia’s Su-35, the Gripen is relatively lightweight, weighing approximately 17,600 pounds when empty. This characteristic contributes to its lower operational costs, estimated at around $4,000 per flight hour, significantly less than the F-35’s $44,000.

This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing to countries like Colombia, where financial limitations often influence military strategies. The aircraft’s design also enables it to operate from short and rugged airstrips, which is crucial given Colombia’s varied landscape of jungles, mountains, and remote border areas.

Saab has highlighted that the Gripen can be refueled and rearmed in less than 20 minutes by a small ground crew, which boosts its readiness for quick deployment—an essential feature for Colombia’s need to monitor extensive, hard-to-access regions vulnerable to drug trafficking and insurgent activities.

Colombia’s choice of the Gripen fighter jet over the extensively used F-16 from Lockheed Martin or the French Dassault Rafale raises intriguing questions regarding the strategic reasoning behind this decision. The F-16 boasts a rich legacy, with over 4,500 units produced since the 1970s and operational in more than 25 nations.

It provides established interoperability with NATO forces and a strong supply chain, factors that could have been attractive to a country historically aligned with the United States, particularly through initiatives like Plan Colombia, a significant investment aimed at combating drug trafficking and leftist insurgencies.

On the other hand, the Rafale offers advanced stealth capabilities and is known for its reduced reliance on U.S. components, which may resonate with a leader like Petro, who has occasionally voiced criticism of American dominance in the region. Nevertheless, Bogotá’s decision to select the Swedish aircraft indicates a combination of practical and political considerations.

One perspective to consider regarding this decision is the regional power dynamics. While South America is not characterized by widespread conventional warfare, underlying tensions persist, especially between Colombia and Venezuela.

Venezuela has increasingly turned to Moscow for military assistance, operating a fleet of Su-30MKV fighters—powerful twin-engine aircraft with a combat range of nearly 1,900 miles and the capability to deploy advanced anti-ship and air-to-ground munitions.

These jets provide Venezuela with a significant aerial advantage, a reality that Colombia must take into account given their complicated history, which includes border conflicts and ideological differences. The Gripen E/F, although lighter and less heavily armed than the Su-30, presents Colombia with a modern counterbalance, capable of addressing threats at extended ranges and ensuring air dominance over its airspace.

Posts on X from users such as DalgonaMac have praised the decision as a strategic choice for Colombia, asserting that the Gripen’s agility and cost-effectiveness make it well-suited for deterring Venezuelan threats without incurring excessive costs.

This acquisition may also indicate a subtle shift in Colombia’s foreign policy beyond its immediate borders. Since taking office in 2022, leftist President Petro has pursued a path that diverges from that of his predecessors, focusing on national sovereignty and the diversification of international alliances.

Opting for a Swedish aircraft instead of an American one may signal a desire to lessen reliance on Washington, a long-standing ally whose dependability as a trade partner has faced scrutiny in certain Latin American circles. As noted by SergioGuzmanE on X, the F-16 proposal likely included a greater number of aircraft and quicker delivery schedules, yet Petro’s administration seems to have favored a deal that avoids deeper entanglement with U.S. interests.

Sweden, known for its neutrality and lack of colonial history in the region, offers a less politically sensitive alternative, while Brazil’s existing Gripen program—36 jets ordered in 2014 with plans for expansion—could serve as a potential regional partner for maintenance and training.

The technological ramifications of this decision are equally significant. The Gripen E/F is not merely an individual aircraft; it functions as part of a networked battlefield. Its data-link systems enable real-time information sharing with other units, creating a force multiplier effect that could revolutionize the operational capabilities of the Colombian Air Force.

In a nation where counterinsurgency and border surveillance are critical, this capability could be invaluable. Picture a scenario in which Gripen jets, monitoring the dense Amazonian frontier, transmit coordinates of a narco airstrip to ground forces or drones, facilitating precise strikes without delay.

Saab has indicated potential for industrial collaboration, as Brazil’s Embraer is already manufacturing components for the Gripen fleet at a facility located in São Paulo state. Colombia could leverage this ecosystem, positioning itself as a secondary support hub for Gripen in Latin America, which would enhance local employment and technical skills.

However, the agreement carries certain uncertainties, particularly regarding the involvement of the United States. The Gripen’s F414 engine, produced by General Electric, is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which control the export of U.S. military technology.

The U.S. has the authority to block the sale of these engines to Colombia, a decision that could jeopardize the entire deal. There is historical context for this: in 2019, the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program after it acquired Russian S-400 air defense systems, citing security concerns.

Recently, sources such as Caliber.az reported that the U.S. prevented a Gripen sale to Colombia in March, although Saab refuted this claim at the time. If accurate, such intervention may be motivated by a desire to safeguard Lockheed Martin’s market position or to ensure Colombia remains aligned with U.S. interests, particularly in light of President Petro’s occasional anti-American statements.

The Trump administration might view the F-16 as a more suitable option for interoperability with U.S. forces, which is crucial in a region where joint counter-narcotics efforts are ongoing.

If a veto occurs, Colombia would face difficult decisions. Turning to non-Western suppliers like China, which offers the J-10C fighter, or Russia with its MiG-35, would represent a significant shift from decades of Western alignment. The J-10C, a single-engine aircraft with a delta-wing configuration, shares some similarities with the Gripen, featuring a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and advanced AESA radar technology.

Nonetheless, the operational history of this option is relatively brief, and its integration into Colombia’s military framework, which is heavily influenced by the U.S., would present significant logistical challenges. On the other hand, Russia’s offerings come with political implications that Bogotá may wish to sidestep, especially considering its ongoing rivalry with Venezuela.

A more feasible alternative could be the Rafale, which does not include U.S. components but comes at a higher cost—approximately $120 million per unit compared to the Gripen’s $85 million—potentially putting a strain on Colombia’s financial resources.

From a domestic perspective, the acquisition of the Gripen aligns with President Petro’s broader objectives. His administration has focused on addressing internal threats such as drug trafficking and illegal mining, persistent issues in rural Colombia. Although the Kfir fleet has shown commendable performance, it has struggled to keep up, with maintenance expenses escalating as spare parts became increasingly difficult to obtain.

In early 2025, Israel Aerospace Industries, the manufacturer of the Kfir, entered into an agreement to extend the aircraft’s operational lifespan, but this was merely a temporary fix. The Gripen, with its lower maintenance costs and advanced sensors, offers a more viable long-term solution, enabling the Air Force to allocate resources towards operational missions rather than repairs.

Financially, the challenge of funding remains significant. Colombia’s defense budget, approximately $10 billion per year, is relatively modest on a global scale, and analysts suggest that Sweden might provide favorable credit terms, similar to what was offered to Brazil, or that Bogotá could seek international loans to manage the multibillion-dollar expense.

Historically, Colombia’s air force has undergone several distinct transformations. In the 1950s, it operated American P-47 Thunderbolts as part of a United Nations coalition during the Korean War, strengthening its relationship with Washington. The Kfir was introduced in 1989, a strategic acquisition aimed at countering FARC guerrillas and securing airspace amid the peak of the drug wars.

By the early 2000s, these aircraft played a crucial role in missions such as the 2008 bombing of a FARC camp in Ecuador. This controversial operation highlighted both their accuracy and their aging technology. The shift to the Gripen signifies a new chapter, where external deterrence and internal security must be integrated within a modernized military framework.

The implications of this decision may reach beyond Colombia’s borders. Peru, currently using outdated Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s, has shown interest in the Gripen as a potential replacement, and a successful program in Colombia could influence its decision. Similarly, Ecuador might take notice, potentially igniting a mini-arms race in the Andean region.

For Saab, securing this deal is crucial. After unsuccessful bids for the F-35 in countries like Finland and Canada, the Swedish company has pinned its future on the Gripen E/F, with Brazil as its primary client. Establishing a presence in Colombia could pave the way for further opportunities throughout Latin America, challenging the supremacy of U.S. and European defense giants such as Lockheed Martin and Dassault.

Ultimately, Colombia’s adoption of the Gripen E/F represents more than just an upgrade in military hardware; it signals a clear intention. It positions Bogotá as a significant player in a changing regional environment, balancing practical needs with ambitious goals. The introduction of these aircraft is set to transform the nation’s air defense strategy, combining advanced technology with economic practicality.

However, the possibility of a U.S. veto remains a concern, serving as a reminder that global powers still exert influence over even the most independent agreements. As more details unfold and the jets take to the skies, the pivotal question arises: will this mark a significant advancement in Colombia’s military independence or merely a temporary success overshadowed by Washington’s influence? Only time will reveal the answer, but for now, the skies above Bogotá are on the brink of transformation.