Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced via his X account on Wednesday evening local time that Colombia had ordered Gripen E fighter jets from Saab to replace the Kfir fighter jets from Israel.

According to the president, the memorandum of understanding with Sweden has already been signed and the country’s strategic air defense has been approved as a priority project. “The fleet of aircraft to be acquired is a completely new fleet with the latest technology already in use in Brazil, namely a Saab 39 Gripen,” said the President.

Part of the agreement is likely to include technology transfers for the construction of a production plant for flexible solar modules, drinking water supply and the manufacture of hospital equipment in Colombia.

Embraer C-390M: Schweden steigt in österreichisch-niederländischen Vertrag ein

Colombian media report that Sweden has offered twelve Saab Gripen E aircraft. The replacement of the Kfirs (-> 50 years of Kfir – the lion of the skies) is necessary as they no longer meet the requirements for national sovereignty due to their age and technical problems.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson expressed his delight at Gustavo Petro’s announcement on his X account. “Negotiations are currently underway. Sweden is a long-standing partner of Colombia, and the decision in favor of Gripen means that strategic cooperation in the field of fighter aircraft is possible.”

Colombia, through prime contractor Damen Naval, recently also awarded Saab a contract to supply to supply several components for its Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate program.

Here for more news about Saab.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR