JAS 39 Gripen could soon replace Colombian Air Force Kfir C10s

A dispatch published by the press agency Reuters, on November 5, caused a small tidal wave within the small universe of the Western military aeronautics industry. According to her, sources close to the matter, would have confirmed the upcoming announcement by Gustavo Petro, the Colombian president, of an order for Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters from the manufacturer Saab, to replace the Kfir C10 of the Colombian air force.

The rumour, which had already been growing for several hours in authorised circles, surprised a large number of people, including journalists closest to the matter, given that the Swedish Gripen had been ruled out for several months by the Colombian armed forces, who until now seemed to be concentrating on a choice between the Eurofighter Typhoon, proposed by Spain, and the Rafale French.

Since then, other elements have emerged in this case, which would seem to show an autonomous approach by President Petro, responding to regional geopolitical objectives, to a powerful Swedish lobby, but also to a profound incomprehension with his Brazilian counterpart, Lula. Unless the explanation for this Colombian about-face can be explained in a much simpler way?

The choice of acquiring the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen for the Colombian Air Force, not confirmed by the Colombian authorities

For the time being, the announcement of Colombia's choice of Gripen has not been confirmed by the Colombian presidential services, nor by the Colombian air force, which has indicated that to their knowledge, the competition is still ongoing.

Until recently, it seemed that le Rafale French was preferred by the country's air force, and that the Eurofighter Typhoon European had been chosen as an alternative. On the other hand, the F-16 and the JAS-39 Gripen, two single-engine aircraft, appeared to have been ruled out.

It is true that of the thirty Israeli Kfir C10s acquired by Bogota, only eight remained in service in recent months, in connection with the termination of the maintenance contract with IAI, due to a diplomatic dispute between Bogotá and Jerusalem.

Above all, more than ten of these single-engine aircraft have been lost following accidents over the last 20 years. Under these conditions, and given the specific geography of the country, it is understandable that the FAC favors a twin-engine aircraft.

In fact, for the South American specialist press, the announcement of a possible arbitration by Bogota in favour of the Gripen or the Gripen E, depending on the sources, was a real surprise, and gave rise to a certain reserve, as to its real materiality.

A decision by President Gustavo Petro, against the advice of the Colombian Air Force

According to the local specialist press, the decision, in favour of the Swedish Gripen, would be at the initiative of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. After the false start of 2022, with the anticipated announcement of an order for Rafale by the latter, the French fighter still had the preference of the Colombian air force.

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