Colombia acquires Jas Gripen in major export deal
Government Offices of Sweden
Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Published 15 November 2025
On 14 November, Saab and the Republic of Colombia signed an agreement on the acquisition of 17 JAS Gripen E/F aircraft. Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa attended the signing ceremony in Cali.
What makes Gripen unique is that it combines advanced technology with simplicity and flexibility. Gripen is used by a number of different countries, demonstrating its ability to work in various climates, tactical environments and defence systems.
"The sale of JAS Gripen to Colombia is one of Sweden's largest ever export deals. This deal will strengthen Sweden's security and economy, and demonstrates the clear link between trade and security," says Mr Dousa.
"This is clear evidence of the competitiveness of Sweden's defence industry and high-tech capability. In Gripen, Colombia is getting one of the world's most advanced combat aircraft. I look forward to deepening our defence policy cooperation," says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
"Sweden and Colombia enjoy excellent relations that go back a long way. I look forward to continuing to strengthen and expand the cooperation between our two countries," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.
In 2024, Sweden and Colombia celebrated 150 years of diplomatic relations. The countries also signed a bilateral partnership in 2024. Since 2017, Sweden has had a memorandum of understanding with Colombia on cooperation in the field of defence. Now that Colombia is joining the Gripen family, Sweden looks forward to enhancing this defence policy cooperation.
Mr Jonson visited Colombia in July to meet his counterpart and attend the F-AIR aeronautic fair, where Sweden was guest of honour. With impressive support from the Brazilian Air Force, two Gripen E aircraft were present and took part in an air display.
Ms Malmer Stenergard visited Colombia in January to take part in the first high-level dialogue within the framework of the bilateral partnership between Sweden and Colombia.
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