Saab aims high: Colombia, Canada, and Portugal eye Gripen fighter jets
The CEO of the Swedish company Saab has confirmed that advanced talks are underway with Colombian authorities regarding their decision to purchase Gripen fighter jets. He also revealed that these jets are being offered to Canada and Portugal, countries that might reconsider their planned purchases of the F-35.
According to Reuters, Colombia plans to acquire between 16 and 24 modern combat aircraft to replace the Israeli Kfirs purchased in the late 1980s. The Swedish Gripen is expected to outperform the American F-16 and the French Rafale in this context. As the exact number of aircraft is yet unspecified, Saab's CEO, Micael Johansson, has not disclosed the potential contract value.
The Swedes offer their fighters to Canada and Portugal
Securing a deal with Colombia and gaining another user of Gripen fighters would be a significant achievement for Saab. However, it might not be the last of such developments in the near future. According to the Swedish business newspaper Dagens Industri, Gripen fighters are also being offered to Canada and Portugal.
These discussions have become feasible due to the uncertainty surrounding F-35 fighters, spurred by decisions and statements from Donald Trump. This has led to debates in several countries about the validity of purchasing American aircraft.
The Canadian government has begun reviewing the contract for 88 F-35 fighters, confirming they have only paid for 16 of them; although this portion cannot be withdrawn, the fate of the remaining aircraft is undecided. Meanwhile, Portuguese officials indicated that as they assess potential replacements for their F-16 fleet, the F-35 is no longer their leading choice, and all alternatives remain under consideration. Unofficial reports suggest Portugal may be interested in purchasing about 30 new-generation fighters. Altogether, Saab could potentially secure contracts for over a hundred aircraft, which, given the previously modest Gripen exports, would be incredibly valuable.
Not as modern as the F-35, but still a valued fighter
The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine fighter with delta wings and canard control surfaces. This Swedish aircraft, measuring about 46 feet in length, can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (approximately 1,324 mph) and operate at altitudes of around 59,000 feet. It stands out among other Western fighters due to its ability to operate from improvised runways (e.g., roads only a few hundred yards long). Furthermore, it is praised for its easier and cheaper ground maintenance compared to the F-16, for instance.
Former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson considers the JAS 39 Gripen a very underrated machine that should be more often considered as an alternative to the F-35, despite not having the stealth (low observability) capabilities that the American fighter offers.
