After years of lagging in the competitive fighter jet market, the Swedish Saab JAS Gripen fighter appears poised for a revival. The aircraft, which struggled to secure sales against formidable rivals like the American F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, is now attracting interest from multiple countries, signaling a potential resurgence for Saab in the global defense market. Following a significant deal with Thailand earlier this year, reports indicate that Colombia may be the latest country considering the Gripen as a replacement for its aging fleet.
Swedish public radio, SR’s Ekot, recently reported that Colombia has chosen the Gripen, though the Colombian government and Saab have yet to confirm the decision. Despite the lack of an official statement, shares of Saab saw a notable rise following the report. Colombia’s defense minister, Ivan Velasquez, addressed the media to clarify that no final decision has been made, emphasizing that a formal announcement will come only after President Gustavo Petro has reached a verdict on the matter. The Gripen, however, is now firmly on Colombia’s radar and could serve as a cornerstone of Saab’s re-entry into the fighter jet market.
Over the last decade, Saab’s JAS Gripen has struggled to compete in a defense landscape where the American-made F-35 has become the go-to option for many nations. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 boasts stealth capabilities and cutting-edge technology that made it an attractive choice for countries looking to modernize their air forces. Saab’s offering, while innovative, lacks the stealth design that has become increasingly desirable among NATO countries and U.S. allies.
The Gripen faced rejection after rejection, with Finland, Switzerland, Canada, and the Czech Republic each choosing the F-35 over the Swedish alternative. The Swedish aircraft’s repeated failures to secure contracts eventually led to expressions of frustration from Saab’s leadership. Saab CEO Micael Johansson openly criticized the political weight behind the F-35’s success, suggesting that the influence of the U.S. had contributed to the F-35’s dominance in the market. Saab also argued that their decision not to pursue stealth was strategic, reasoning that the rapid development of radar technology would soon compromise the stealth advantage of any aircraft.
However, despite these arguments, the lack of a stealth feature in the Gripen remained a significant roadblock to sales in Europe, where interoperability within NATO and joint operations among allies have become crucial priorities. Saab’s struggle continued until a significant breakthrough in 2023 when they clinched a deal with Thailand.
In early 2023, Saab secured a landmark deal with Thailand to supply Gripen fighter jets, outmaneuvering Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft in a competitive bidding process. This victory against a longstanding U.S. defense giant marked a rare achievement for Saab, showcasing the Gripen-E’s capabilities in a new light.
The Thailand contract not only highlighted the Gripen’s cost-effectiveness but also underscored the aircraft’s agility, adaptability, and ease of maintenance—factors that have become increasingly relevant to countries aiming to strengthen their air forces without exceeding their defense budgets. Saab’s Gripen-E promises a high operational rate with limited maintenance requirements and the flexibility to be deployed from remote airstrips. This approach has allowed Saab to position itself as a viable option for countries that prioritize affordability, efficiency, and versatility over stealth.
The potential deal with Colombia could open a significant new chapter for Saab. After Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro took office in 2022, he prioritized the modernization of the country’s air force. The Colombian Air Force’s fleet of Israel-origin Kfir jets, now over 40 years old, has reached a stage where maintenance is challenging and costly. Replacing them with newer, more capable fighter jets has been a strategic imperative.
Although Colombia initially engaged with Saab and Dassault in 2022 for the purchase of new jets, those talks ultimately did not yield a contract. The reasons for the breakdown were not disclosed, but the setback did not deter Saab from maintaining Colombia as a potential market. The recent reports of Colombia’s renewed interest indicate that Saab has remained proactive, re-engaging with Colombian defense officials to discuss the Gripen’s potential in fulfilling the country’s air defense needs.
Though neither the Colombian government nor Saab has confirmed any concrete developments, the fact that Colombian Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez acknowledged ongoing rumors suggests that discussions are indeed underway. With the right strategic moves, Saab could see its Gripen-E become the front-runner in Colombia’s air fleet modernization efforts.
Saab describes the Gripen-E as a versatile and highly adaptable fighter designed for modern combat. Its advanced avionics, cutting-edge sensors, and enhanced radar systems allow it to deliver superior air superiority and situational awareness. Some of its standout features include:
- Ten hardpoints for mounting a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance equipment, enabling multi-role functionality.
- GE F414-GE-39E engine, providing it with considerable thrust and the ability to conduct prolonged operations.
- Meteor missiles for long-range air-to-air combat and Taurus missiles for air-to-ground missions, enhancing its firepower.
- Rapid integration of new software and hardware, which allows the aircraft to adapt to evolving mission requirements and emerging threats quickly.
- Field deployability at remote airstrips with minimal logistical support, a feature that has captured the interest of countries with limited military infrastructure.
These capabilities make the Gripen-E a strong contender in both air defense and multi-role missions, positioning it as an attractive option for Colombia’s modernization goals.
Saab’s re-engagement with Colombia is part of a broader push into Latin America. Colombia, alongside Argentina and Peru, represents a market where Saab can capitalize on increasing demand for modern fighter jets without direct U.S. influence. Argentina, which also considered the Gripen, recently opted for second-hand Danish F-16s instead, signaling that Saab still faces challenges in the region. However, Peru’s ongoing evaluation process and Colombia’s potential Gripen purchase highlight a renewed interest in non-U.S. aircraft.
As Colombia considers its options, Saab’s potential deal could bolster its standing in Latin America, especially given Colombia’s strategic importance. If successful, the Gripen’s entry into Colombia’s fleet would likely encourage other Latin American nations to consider Saab’s offerings seriously, as regional neighbors evaluate how modernizing their own air forces could serve as a deterrent against potential threats.
In parallel with its outreach in Latin America, Saab has invested heavily in India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract, which would supply the Indian Air Force (IAF) with 114 fighter jets. The MRFA is one of the largest military procurements on the horizon, attracting global defense giants. Saab has shown exceptional flexibility, promising to establish full-scale production facilities in India with extensive technology transfer if selected. Saab’s proposal also includes fast-tracking production timelines, an enticing offer for India’s air force, which seeks to strengthen its capabilities rapidly amid growing regional tensions.
Saab has shown a commitment to working with local Indian partners to manufacture not only the airframes but also complex systems and software components. Saab’s approach to indigenization aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, giving it an edge in the competition. Should Saab win this contract, the Gripen would have a stronghold in South Asia, helping Saab regain its footing globally.
A deal with Colombia would represent Saab’s second contract for the Gripen within a single year, a feat that would have been nearly unimaginable only a few years ago. The consecutive wins with Thailand and potentially Colombia signal a dramatic shift in the Gripen’s fortunes, marking a possible resurgence after years of stagnation. Saab’s willingness to adapt, promote cost-effective solutions, and remain resilient in the face of stiff competition has contributed to this turnaround.
The Gripen-E’s unique combination of affordability, multi-role capabilities, and adaptability has started to pay dividends, as evidenced by its traction in markets where the F-35 is either too costly or incompatible with local defense budgets. Saab’s latest advancements also demonstrate its intent to pivot away from direct competition with stealth-oriented models like the F-35, carving out a niche market where affordability and flexibility take precedence.
