Colombia has abandoned its long-standing plan to acquire F-16 fighter jets from the United States and is instead finalizing a massive $1.9 billion agreement with Sweden for 18 state-of-the-art Gripen E aircraft, according to reports and government officials.

The deal, one of the largest defense acquisitions in the country's recent history, is poised to modernize the Colombian Air Force and reshape the aerial balance of power in Latin America.

Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that the government is preparing to officially sign the agreement with Swedish manufacturer Saab, pending only "final adjustments" on offset conditions. The announcement is expected to be made from the presidency imminently.

A key factor in Sweden's favor was its attractive financial package. The Swedish government has offered to finance the entire purchase through a long-term credit line, which includes an eight-year grace period, easing the immediate burden on Colombia's defense budget.

The move is driven by the pressing need to replace the Colombian Air Force's aging and increasingly unsustainable fleet of Israeli-made Kfir fighter jets. The Kfirs have been plagued by soaring maintenance costs and critical spare parts shortages. Reports indicate that maintaining airworthiness has required cannibalizing grounded aircraft for components, a practice that underscores the fleet's operational limitations.

For years, Colombia evaluated several options to succeed the Kfirs. The U.S. F-16 was a long-time contender, while the French Rafale was also considered. However, both offers faced significant hurdles.

The F-16 was deemed to have prohibitively high operational and infrastructure upgrade costs. Meanwhile, the advanced Rafale F4 package presented by France was simply too expensive for Bogotá's budgetary constraints.

Saab's Gripen E proposal emerged as the preferred solution, presenting a compelling combination of favorable financing, robust offset agreements, and promises of local industrial participation. The package is not merely an aircraft purchase but a broader modernization program that includes partial technology transfer, a feature that strongly appeals to Colombia's goal of enhancing its long-term defense autonomy and sovereignty.

Despite ongoing analysis of potential U.S. export restrictions on the F414 engine that powers the Gripen E, Colombian officials have expressed confidence in the Swedish offer. They insist it provides greater strategic independence and long-term value compared to the American and French alternatives.

Once finalized, the agreement will make Colombia the second operator of the advanced Gripen E in Latin America, following Brazil. This move is widely seen as a significant development that will alter regional air defense dynamics, marking a new chapter for the Colombian Air Force and its international partnerships. (ILKHA)