“The fleet of aircraft to be purchased is completely new, the latest technology, already introduced in Brazil — it’s the Saab Gripen,” Petro stated on social media platform X. He confirmed that Colombia has already signed a letter of intent with Sweden concerning the deal.
No official details have been disclosed regarding the number or cost of the aircraft to be acquired. However, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported, without citing sources, that Sweden has offered a total of 12 Gripen jets.
Colombian Defence Minister Iván Velásquez (formerly Pedro Sanchez in earlier reports) said in March that the government had long sought to replace its ageing Kfir fleet. He noted that options under consideration included the American F-16, Swedish Gripen, and French Rafale, stressing the importance of defending national sovereignty and countering threats from armed rebel groups.
Although the final figures have not been confirmed, Colombia’s government previously outlined plans to purchase around 16 fighter jets. In 2023, it allocated a budget of approximately USD 3.65 billion for the modernisation of its air force.
