Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on social media that Colombia intends to acquire Saab Gripen fighter jets from Sweden to replace the country’s aging fleet of Israeli-made Kfir aircraft.
However, uncertainty remains over the viability of the sale due to the risk of a potential veto by the United States.
“Following the letter of intent signed by the government of the Kingdom of Sweden, and after approving the country’s strategic air defense as a prioritized project, I hereby announce: The aircraft fleet to be acquired is entirely new, featuring state-of-the-art technology already operational in Brazil, and is from the Saab 39 Gripen line,” President Petro stated.
The decision follows a protracted procurement process aimed at modernizing the Colombian Air Force (FAC). Currently, Colombia operates an aging fleet of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) Kfir jets, derived from France’s Dassault Mirage 5 and nearing the end of their operational lifespans.
In December 2022, Colombia publicly expressed its intent to procure 16 Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation after a lengthy competition. The Rafale was initially selected over two main rivals: the US-made Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 and the Swedish Saab Gripen E. However, negotiations failed to conclude by the end of the fiscal year, ultimately voiding the potential order.
Now, Saab’s Gripen E/F jets have emerged as Colombia’s preferred option. Gripen fighters, renowned for their versatility, are currently operated by Brazil, making them an appealing regional choice. However, Colombia’s decision might encounter resistance from the United States.
US influence casts doubt on Gripen acquisition
The Gripen E/F variant utilizes the General Electric F414-GE-39E engine, a critical component of US origin. This places the sale within the jurisdiction of US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
According to a report by defense-focused outlet Infodefensa, the United States is expected to block the export of the F414 engines to Colombia, effectively prohibiting the Gripen sale.
Such an action by Washington would not be unprecedented, as US authorities have occasionally blocked arms exports containing US-made components when perceived as not aligning with their strategic interests.
Should the United States indeed block the Gripen sale, Colombia might find itself back at the negotiation table, possibly reconsidering the French Rafale. Dassault’s Rafale fighter notably offers an ITAR-free solution, fully independent from US-supplied components, thereby insulating Colombia from potential vetoes.
