The Colombian Air Force will replace its old IAI Kfir fighter jets with the Saab Gripen, according to Swedish radio SR’s Ekot, citing sources.
As happened in Argentina, the South American country has been evaluating potential competitors for years and even announced its preference for the Dassault Rafale in 2022.
However, after the government revealed that it intended to place orders in small batches, the agreement was frustrated by the French manufacturer’s refusal to meet this requirement.
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The option for the Gripen, which currently operates in the Brazilian Air Force, would be the second competition won by the Swedish company in 2024 after Thailand preferred the jet over the US F-16.
Saab declined to comment on questions from Reuters, but said it has already had a dialogue with Colombia to offer the planes.
The number of aircraft was also not disclosed. In December 2022, the Colombian government stated that it was interested in ordering 16 fighters.
The Colombian Air Force has less than 20 Kfir fighters in service, which were acquired second-hand in 1989 and have undergone an upgrade. However, the airframes are at the end of their useful life, hence the urgency to replace them.
Partnership with Embraer
Saab has long been trying to sell the Gripen to Colombia and the offer includes joint production with Embraer, which is currently a partner in supplying the fighter to the Brazilian Air Force.
There is an assembly line at Embraer’s unit in Brazil, where 15 of the 35 Gripens will be finished. In addition, the Swedish company has a components factory in Brazil and local suppliers.
The Gripen NG (E/F) has been selected so far by Brazil, Sweden and Thailand.
