Colombia has now officially ordered 17 Gripen E/F aircraft from Saab in a deal worth 3.1 billion euros, equivalent to approximately 36 billion kronor. The deal is not only a breakthrough for Gripen in the South American market but also one of Sweden's largest defence export contracts in modern times.

The contract was signed on 14 November at a ceremony in Cali, where both President Gustavo Petro and Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa participated. Saab will deliver 15 single-seat Gripen E and two dual-seat Gripen F aircraft with associated systems, armament, and training between 2026 and 2032. The agreement also includes two offset programmes with industrial and social elements in areas such as health, cybersecurity, energy, and water purification.

– I am very proud that Colombia has now chosen the Gripen E/F. This is the beginning of a strong and long-term partnership that strengthens defence capability, creates societal benefits, and favours Colombia's innovative strength, says Saab's CEO Micael Johansson in a press release from the company.

President Gustavo Petro described the signing as a historic moment for Colombia. He emphasised that the deal is not solely about military capabilities but also represents a deepened political and technological cooperation between Sweden and Colombia. According to Petro, the agreement marks a new chapter in a relationship built on over 150 years of friendship, trust, and mutual respect.

On the Swedish side, Defence Minister Pål Jonson expressed pride that Colombia now becomes the fourth country in the Gripen E family, after Sweden, Brazil, and Thailand.

– Colombia is acquiring one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, and Sweden is simultaneously investing in its own technological base, writes Jonson.

The deal has been preceded by a strategic cooperation between Sweden and Colombia, where diplomatic, military, and industrial contacts have been strengthened over the past year. During the F-AIR air show in July, Sweden showcased the Gripen alongside Brazil, and discussions on industrial cooperation have been ongoing since then.

Colombia thus becomes the second country in Latin America, after Brazil, to introduce the Gripen. Parallel defence policy talks are ongoing between Sweden and Peru. During the autumn, Defence Minister Pål Jonson has received his Peruvian counterpart in Stockholm, as part of a broader dialogue on defence industrial cooperation. The discussions include technology development, innovation, drone systems, and in the longer term, also fighter aircraft.