Swedish defense contractor Saab has officially presented an offer for the sale of its JAS 39 Gripen light supersonic aircraft to the Republic of Colombia. The potential deal, which involves an undisclosed number of Gripen jets, was initially disclosed unofficially by Sweden’s public news agency, Sveriges Radio. Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, later confirmed the proposal, highlighting the company’s commitment to a “full-fledged” offering tailored for the Latin American nation.
In his comments, Johansson emphasized the competitive nature of the defense market, stating, “I think we have a good offer, but it’s of course not ever without competition.” This statement comes in the wake of a recent defense agreement signed between Sweden and Brazil, Colombia’s neighbor, aimed at enhancing Brazil’s Gripen fleet by an additional 25 percent.
The longstanding collaboration on fighter jets between Sweden and Brazil began in 2014, with Brazil having placed an order for approximately 36 aircraft. Currently, Saab is working on fulfilling additional delivery commitments, with eight additional Gripens slated for transfer to Brazil. Earlier in 2023, Saab established a facility in Brazil to bolster the production of these fighter jets, which will also serve as the manufacturing site for 15 new aircraft as part of Brazil’s Gripen expansion plan.
Johansson noted the strategic significance of the Brazilian facility, stating, “It makes sense to work from this hub in Brazil if we have the opportunity to also convince Colombia and Peru about selecting the Gripen.” He pointed out that Peru is another potentially lucrative market, as the country has signaled its intention to allocate budgetary resources for the acquisition of new defense aircraft. This places Saab in a position to compete actively for contracts not only in Colombia but also in Peru.
The JAS 39 Gripen aircraft itself is characterized by its compact dimensions, measuring 16 meters (52 feet) in length and a wingspan of 9 meters (30 feet). Capable of carrying a significant payload of up to 7,200 kilograms (15,873 pounds), the Gripen can achieve speeds of 2,100 kilometers (1,305 miles) per hour. It is powered by a General Electric F414 afterburning turbofan engine and boasts versatility in its armament, capable of deploying air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles.
As the competition heats up in the Latin American defense market, Saab is positioned to leverage its advancements and partnerships to secure contracts in the region, with Colombia and Peru emerging as key targets for its strategic expansion of the Gripen program.
