Colombia’s New Government Seeks to Review JAS 39 Gripen Contract

Colombia’s new government is seeking to review the terms of the deal to purchase Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets.

According to Defensa, it is not a matter of canceling the purchase, but rather an attempt to renegotiate the terms agreed with Sweden.

The Colombian government is reportedly assessing the cost difference compared to similar contracts signed by other countries, particularly the agreement to supply Gripen aircraft to Thailand.

Such comparisons have raised questions about the final cost of the Colombian contract and may serve as one of the arguments in favor of revising its terms.

The contract covers the purchase of 15 single-seat Gripen E and two two-seat Gripen F fighter jets, as well as weapons, personnel training, equipment, maintenance, and other elements required to bring the new fleet into service.

These aircraft are intended to gradually replace the Kfir fighter jets, which for many years have formed the backbone of the Colombian Aerospace Force’s combat capabilities.

Colombia may seek more favorable financial terms, increased industrial compensation, technology transfer, expansion of personnel training programs, and the involvement of national companies in the program’s implementation.

The last point is particularly important, as the agreement with Sweden creates opportunities to strengthen Colombia’s aviation and defense-industrial capabilities.

However, revising the contract does not allow Colombia to simply cancel the purchase with no consequences.

The agreement has already been signed and sets forth the financial and legal obligations of the parties. Therefore, any changes will have to be coordinated directly with the Swedish government and Saab.

The contract for the purchase of fighter jets was signed in November 2025.

Its value is estimated at ₱16 trillion ($4.24 billion). The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2027 and 2032.