Amid intense political debate, President Gustavo Petro’s government defended the recent acquisition of 17 Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets to replace the Colombian Air Force’s (FAC) fleet of IAI Kfir fighter jets. The operation, valued at approximately $4.4 billion, includes a comprehensive package of industrial compensation, maintenance, spare parts, technology transfer, and logistical support, consolidating one of the most important defense contracts in the country’s recent history.
In a lengthy message on his official social media account, President Petro responded to accusations of cost overruns spread by opposition groups and some media outlets. He stated that “Opposition journalists ignorantly claim that the Gripen aircraft purchased by my government have cost overruns. They didn’t even read the contract. They forgot that these are new aircraft with offset and maintenance included, with spare parts and technology transfer. Compare them with the third-hand F-16s that were sold to us, or with the French Rafales that I was tempted to buy.”
The Ministry of Defense announced that the contract signed with the Swedish company Saab stipulates the staggered delivery of the aircraft between 2028 and 2032, with fixed prices and clauses to protect against market fluctuations. In addition to the 17 Gripen E/F aircraft, the package includes AESA radars, IRST systems, electronic warfare, smart weapons, a simulation center with four interconnected cockpits, and technical support during the first three years of operational transition.
Saab and the Swedish government confirmed that there are no US vetoes or restrictions on the transfer of technology for the components included in the agreement. Despite this, the purchase has been criticized by the opposition. Abelardo De la Espriella, an opposition candidate who aspires to succeed Gustavo Petro in 2026, publicly called on the US government to impose a temporary veto on the contract, citing the presence of US components, in particular General Electric F414G engines, under ITAR regulations. His request, addressed to the US president, the Department of Defense, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seeks to freeze the export of these engines until the next Colombian government reviews the terms of the agreement. De la Espriella argued that the operation could have electoral purposes and called for greater transparency regarding the costs and compensation involved in the contract.
The government responded to these allegations by assuring that the process was conducted with complete transparency and that public meetings were held with Saab officials in Stockholm and Bogotá. Petro reiterated that his administration has not allowed and will not allow “commission payments or acts of corruption” in defense contracts. He emphasized that the agreement with Sweden not only strengthens Colombia’s military capacity but will also enable rapid industrial and technological integration with Brazil, the other regional operator of the Gripen.
Criticism of the increase in the unit cost, which rose from approximately US$110-120 million to US$250 million per aircraft, was justified by the Executive, considering that the final amount includes maintenance, logistical support, training, weapons systems, and industrial compensation. According to the Ministry of Defense, the Industrial and Social Cooperation Agreement (offset) associated with the contract will generate technology transfer and benefits in civilian areas such as health, housing, and energy transition, strengthening the country’s industrial base.
Finally, Petro reaffirmed that his government will continue with its policy of independence in defense matters and announced a new Conpes to boost domestic production of weapons, armor, drones, and air and ground equipment. With the arrival of the first Gripen aircraft scheduled for 2027, the Colombian Aerospace Force will begin a new phase of modernization, joining Brazil as the only two countries in South America to operate the new Swedish fighter jets.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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Congratulations .A very good decision.The Kfir is more a liability than a fighter aircraft
Only problem is US patents and stop order in last minute… That’s mean I must have approval from US. Except this, I by that plane, at moment… And one more thing open or close architecture, for next weapons integration…