Saab has signed a contract with the Colombian Government for the purchase of 17 Gripen E and F fighters, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The order, worth 3.1 billion euros, covers deliveries from 2026 through 2032 according to the company.
The package consists of 15 single seat Gripen E and two twin seat Gripen F aircraft, along with weapons, equipment, training and support services. Saab said the deal also includes two offset agreements that set the framework for industrial and social programmes in Colombia. These are expected to involve cooperation in aeronautics, cyber security, health technologies, sustainable energy and water purification.
Saab described the signing as the start of a wider strategic partnership with Colombia. Micael Johansson, the company’s President and CEO, said “I am honored that Colombia has chosen Gripen E/F to enhance its air defence capabilities and delighted to welcome Colombia into the Gripen family.” He added that the agreement “will strengthen Colombia’s defence and security, benefit its people, and boost the nation’s innovation power.”
The contract brings Colombia into the group of operators of the latest generation Gripen and marks the country’s largest modern combat aircraft acquisition to date.
Business for Leonardo UK who I think, supply the radar, spiritual reincarnation of Ferranti Blue Vixen.
Between 30 & 37% of each Gripen E is made in the UK.
A lot of GR9 related bits in a GRIPEN!
That’s a fair bit more than I thought. Good stuff. I am happy with having the Japanese and Italians as partners on gcap, but it would have even stronger if the Swedes, through Saab, had joined back in the day…
Yep . I’d also be happy to have Sweden onboard for Tempest.
Either way, i’m the UK will still hopefully benefit.
Either way, i’m the UK will still hopefully benefit.
Always thought they’d make a good force mix with the Typhoon for the RAF. A bit like Jaguar and Tornado. I suppose that would require foresight and investment. Warton final assembly would have been handy too.