### Colombia Strengthens Defense Ties with Sweden Amid US Tensions Colombia has entered into a significant military agreement with Swedish defense firm Saab, marking a pivotal moment in its defense strategy. The Colombian government has signed a contract valued at approximately €3.1 billion ($3.6 billion) for the acquisition of 17 Gripen E/F fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2032. This deal comes at a time of increasing tensions between Colombia and the United States, as Colombia has opted for Swedish aircraft over a potential offer from the US for F-16 jets, valued at $4.3 billion. The decision reflects a strategic shift in Colombia's defense partnerships and priorities, emphasizing its desire for greater autonomy in military procurement and modernization efforts [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/saab-signs-36-billion-gripen-fighter-deal-with-colombia, https://www.firstpost.com/world/colombia-seals-4-3bn-deal-for-swedish-warplanes-as-rift-with-us-deepens.html]. ### Breakdown of the Colombia-Sweden Gripen Deal 1. **Contract Details**: - Colombia has signed a €3.1 billion ($3.6 billion) contract with Saab for 17 Gripen E/F fighter jets. - Deliveries are expected to occur between 2026 and 2032 [https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/saab-confirms-sale-of-17-gripen-e/fs-to-colombia/165316.article]. 2. **Strategic Context**: - The deal is seen as a response to deteriorating relations with the United States, which has historically been a key military partner for Colombia. - Colombia's choice to procure Swedish jets over US F-16s indicates a shift towards diversifying its defense partnerships [https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Colombia-Sign-36B-Gripen-EF-Fighter-Jet-Deal-With-Saab-Rejects-US-24-F-16-Jet-Offer]. 3. **Implications for Defense Modernization**: - This acquisition is part of Colombia's broader strategy to modernize its air force capabilities, which have not seen significant upgrades in decades. - The deal includes provisions for training, weapons, and industrial cooperation, enhancing local defense capabilities [https://defensetalks.com/colombia-signs-gripen-ef-deal-saab-3-1-billion]. ### Supporting Data and Context - **Financial Overview**: - Total contract value: €3.1 billion ($3.6 billion) for 17 Gripen E/F jets. - Alternative US offer: 24 F-16 jets valued at $4.3 billion, which Colombia rejected [https://www.barrons.com/news/colombia-inks-4-3-bn-deal-to-buy-swedish-warplanes-783b5716]. - **Delivery Timeline**: - The Gripen jets are scheduled for delivery from 2026 to 2032, indicating a long-term commitment to enhancing Colombia's air defense capabilities [https://caliber.az/en/post/colombia-to-buy-17-swedish-gripen-jets-in-4-3-billion-military-deal]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Shift in Colombia's Defense Policy In summary, **Colombia's $3.6 billion deal with Saab for Gripen fighter jets represents a significant shift in its defense strategy**, moving away from traditional reliance on US military support. This decision underscores Colombia's intent to modernize its air force while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. The key points are: 1. **Contract Value**: €3.1 billion for 17 Gripen jets, with deliveries from 2026 to 2032. 2. **Strategic Implications**: A move towards diversifying defense partnerships amid US tensions. 3. **Modernization Goals**: Enhancing local defense capabilities through comprehensive training and industrial cooperation. This deal not only strengthens Colombia's military capabilities but also signals a new era in its international defense relationships [https://swedenherald.com/article/colombia-buys-17-gripen-planes, https://investorshangout.com/saab-strengthens-colombias-air-defense-with-gripen-ef-order-460187-].