Colombia Selects Saab Gripen Fighters Amid US Veto Concerns

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the selection of Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets to replace the aging fleet of Israeli-made Kfir aircraft, following the signing of a letter of intent with Sweden. The Gripen jets, which feature advanced technology already operational in Brazil, have emerged as Colombia's preferred choice after a lengthy procurement process. However, the deal faces potential hurdles due to the involvement of the US-made General Electric F414 engine, which could lead to a veto under US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Previous negotiations for alternative aircraft, including the French Rafale and US F-16, did not materialize, making the Gripen a significant strategic move for Colombia's air defense. Saab officials expressed optimism about finalizing the deal, emphasizing the potential for commercial offsets, such as the development of a solar panel production plant. The final details of the aircraft acquisition, including numbers and operational specifics, are yet to be determined.