Colombia to buy 17 Swedish Gripen jets in $4.3 billion military deal

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has officially confirmed a $4.3 billion agreement with Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab to purchase 17 Gripen fighter jets, providing the first full details of a military acquisition initially announced in April.

“This is a deterrent weapon to achieve peace,” Petro said in a social media post, emphasising that the purchase is aimed at safeguarding Colombia against potential aggression. “In a world that is geopolitically messy, such aggression can come from anywhere,” he added.

The acquisition comes amid heightened regional tensions, as Colombia and much of Latin America observe a growing US military presence. In parallel, Washington has conducted a series of operations targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in 20 confirmed attacks and approximately 80 deaths in international waters.

These operations have sparked criticism from Latin American leaders, legal experts, and rights groups, who argue that the US is carrying out extrajudicial killings instead of allowing suspects to face judicial proceedings. US President Donald Trump has accused both Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of involvement in the regional drug trade, allegations that both leaders have firmly denied.

Petro stressed that the new Gripen jets are intended to deter any form of aggression against Colombia, reinforcing the country’s national defence in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson highlighted the significance of the deal, noting that Colombia joins Sweden, Brazil, and Thailand in selecting the Gripen fighter jet. He said the agreement would significantly deepen defence cooperation between Bogotá and Stockholm.

By Tamilla Hasanova