ISLAMABAD: In a major development for global fighter jet markets, Colombiahas awarded a lucrative contract to Sweden’s Saab for its JAS 39 Gripen E/Faircraft, rejecting a competitive bid from France’s Dassault Rafale at thefinal stage. The agreement, formalized in mid-November 2025, involves theacquisition of 17 advanced multirole fighters valued at €3.1 billion,including comprehensive logistical and industrial packages. This outcomesurprised industry observers, as the Rafale proposal had appeared favoureddue to its lower initial cost and proven combat credentials. Analysts pointto Colombia’s emphasis on long-term operational affordability,technological independence, and broader defence ties with Sweden as keyfactors in the reversal.
The Colombian Ministry of National Defence pursued the replacement of itsKfir jets for over a decade, evaluating multiple platforms amid budgetconstraints and regional security needs. Early contenders includedrefurbished Lockheed Martin F-16s from the United States, but negotiationswith Washington faced hurdles over technology transfer and costs. By April2025, Bogotá had narrowed options to the Gripen and Rafale, with Saabemerging as the preferred choice after detailed assessments. The Gripen’sselection aligns with President Gustavo Petro’s administration priorities,focusing on sustainable defence spending and partnerships that offerindustrial offsets benefiting local economy and technology sectors.
For Dassault Aviation, the loss represents a costly disappointment inexpanding the Rafale’s export footprint beyond Europe, India, Egypt, Qatar,Greece, and Indonesia. The French jet had been positioned aggressively inLatin America, where fighter procurements remain infrequent and highlycompetitive. Industry sources indicate that the Rafale bid includedfavourable financing terms and a robust weapons suite, yet Colombiaprioritised the Gripen’s lower lifecycle costs, fuel efficiency, andreduced dependency on foreign supply chains. Saab’s offer also promisedextensive local involvement, potentially establishing maintenance hubs andfostering technology collaboration over decades.
Defence experts highlight that the Gripen E/F variant incorporates advancedAESA radar, electronic warfare capabilities, and network-centric warfarefeatures, making it suitable for Colombia’s diverse operationalenvironment, from counter-narcotics missions to conventional deterrence.Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027 and continue through 2032,ensuring a phased transition from the Kfir fleet. This deal follows Saab’ssuccesses in Brazil and Thailand, reinforcing the Gripen’s appeal amongnations seeking high-performance fighters without excessive expenditure orgeopolitical strings.
The outcome carries implications for Dassault’s market perception,particularly amid ongoing global scrutiny of the Rafale’s performanceclaims. While some commentary links the loss to perceptions influenced byreports from regional conflicts involving Indian Rafale aircraft. Stockfluctuations for Dassault Aviation occurred in 2025.
Saab’s victory strengthens Sweden’s position in the fighter export arena,where neutral politics and flexible contracts provide advantages overcompetitors from major powers. The agreement also includescivilian-military dual-use projects, aligning with Colombia’s broaderdevelopment goals. As the second nation in 2025 to order the Gripen E/Fafter Thailand, Colombia’s move signals growing confidence in theplatform’s maturity and cost-effectiveness.
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This procurement underscores the evolving dynamics of international armssales, where value-for-money, industrial participation, and strategicautonomy increasingly outweigh raw performance specifications or politicalalliances. For France, the setback prompts reflection on refining exportstrategies in emerging markets, while Saab gains momentum for potentialfollow-on deals in the region.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saab-signs-31-billion-euro-gripen-fighter-deal-with-colombia-2025-11-14
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