Defense & Military
Saab and Colombia Sign 3.1 Billion Euro Gripen Fighter Jet Deal
Colombia procures 17 Saab Gripen E/F jets in a €3.1 billion deal enhancing defense capabilities and industrial cooperation.
Saab and Colombia Finalize Landmark €3.1 Billion Fighter Jet Agreement
In a significant move for South American defense modernization, Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab has officially signed a contract with the Colombian government. The deal, valued at €3.1 billion (approximately $3.62 billion), is for the delivery of 17 Gripen E/F multi-role fighter jets. This agreement marks the culmination of a lengthy selection process and represents a cornerstone of Colombia’s strategy to update its aerial defense capabilities for the coming decades.
The contract goes far beyond the simple acquisition of aircraft. It encompasses a comprehensive package designed to ensure the long-term operational success of the fleet. This includes associated equipment, advanced weaponry, extensive pilot and ground crew training, and a robust long-term service and support agreement. Deliveries of the new fighters are scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2032, systematically replacing Colombia’s aging air assets.
This procurement solidifies a new chapter in the partnership between Sweden and Colombia, strengthening defense and industrial ties. For the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana), it represents a leap into next-generation technology, while for Saab, it secures a crucial foothold in the competitive Latin American defense market. The structure of the deal, which includes significant industrial cooperation, also aims to deliver broader economic and technological benefits to Colombia.
A Strategic Modernization for a New Era
The decision to acquire the Gripen fleet is rooted in a pressing need to replace Colombia’s existing fighter jets. The nation’s fleet of Israeli-made IAI Kfir military aircraft has been in service for over three decades, and while they have served the country well, they are now facing the inevitable challenges of obsolescence, including increasing maintenance costs and difficulties in sourcing parts. This acquisition is not a sudden development but the result of a long-standing program to identify and procure a suitable successor to ensure Colombia’s sovereignty and air defense integrity.
The Selection Process: A Competitive Landscape
Colombia’s search for a new fighter jet involved a thorough evaluation of several leading global platforms. The primary contenders in the final stages of the selection process included the Saab Gripen, the American-made Lockheed Martin F-16, and the French Dassault Rafale. Each platform presented a unique set of capabilities and strategic advantages, making the decision a complex one for the Colombian government.
Reports indicate that the selection process was highly competitive, with geopolitical factors playing a role. The United States, for instance, was actively promoting the F-16 as a viable option for its strategic ally. However, after careful consideration of operational requirements, long-term costs, and technology transfer opportunities, the Colombian government announced its selection of the Gripen in April 2025. The subsequent months were dedicated to negotiating the final terms of the contract, leading to the formal announcement.
The final agreement includes 15 single-seater Gripen E models and two twin-seater Gripen F models. The Gripen F is not only a fully capable combat aircraft but also serves as an ideal platform for training new pilots on the advanced systems of the Gripen, ensuring a smooth transition for the Colombian Air Force.
Why the Gripen E/F Was Chosen
The Saab Gripen E/F is a state-of-the-art multi-role fighter known for its blend of advanced technology and operational efficiency. The aircraft is equipped with sophisticated avionics, a powerful electronic warfare suite, and a cutting-edge sensor package, giving pilots superior situational awareness. Its design philosophy emphasizes cost-effective operation, a critical factor for nations seeking to maximize their defense budgets.
Several key characteristics of the Gripen likely influenced Colombia’s decision. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F414G engine, renowned for its performance and reliability. Furthermore, the Gripen is designed to operate with a small logistical footprint, capable of taking off and landing on shorter runways and requiring minimal ground support. This flexibility is a significant advantage in a country with diverse and often challenging geographical terrain like Colombia.
“I am honored that Colombia has chosen Gripen E/F to enhance its air defence capabilities and delighted to welcome Colombia into the Gripen family. This marks the beginning of a strong and long-term partnership that will strengthen Colombia’s defence and security, benefit its people, and boost the nation’s innovation power.” – Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
Broader Implications of the Agreement
The €3.1 billion deal extends well beyond the delivery of hardware. It establishes a deep, long-term strategic partnership between Saab and Colombia, focused on developing sovereign capabilities and fostering local industry. This holistic approach is designed to ensure that the benefits of the investment are felt across multiple sectors of the Colombian economy.
Industrial and Social Development Through Offset Agreements
A significant component of the contract involves two comprehensive offset agreements. These agreements mandate that Saab and its partners invest in a range of industrial and social projects within Colombia. This framework ensures that the substantial defense expenditure translates into tangible national development, a modern approach to large-scale government procurement.
The committed investments will target key sectors identified for growth and innovation. These include aeronautics, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, sustainable energy, and water purification technology. By facilitating technology transfer and co-development, these projects aim to create high-skilled jobs, boost Colombia’s innovation ecosystem, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
This model of industrial cooperation is becoming increasingly important in the global defense market. It allows purchasing nations to leverage major acquisitions to achieve broader strategic goals, turning a defense contract into a catalyst for national progress. For Colombia, it represents an opportunity to build domestic expertise in high-tech fields.
Strengthening Regional and International Ties
Colombia’s acquisition of the Gripen also has regional implications. With Brazil already operating the Gripen, Colombia becomes the second South American nation to adopt the platform. This commonality could pave the way for future regional cooperation in areas such as training, maintenance, and logistics, potentially leading to shared resources and reduced operational costs for both nations.
The deal also strengthens the bilateral relationship between Colombia and Sweden. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson highlighted this, noting that the agreement reinforces the defense ties between the two countries and that Colombia will be receiving “one of the world’s greatest fighter jets.” This partnership is built on shared values of innovation and security, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
By choosing a non-traditional supplier, Colombia also diversifies its defense partnerships, enhancing its strategic autonomy. The Gripen platform’s interoperability with NATO standards ensures that the Colombian Air Force can continue to cooperate effectively with its international partners while operating a platform tailored to its specific national needs.
A New Chapter for the Colombian Air Force
The finalization of the Gripen contract marks a pivotal moment for the Colombian Air Force. The transition from the aging Kfir jets to the advanced Gripen E/F platform represents a generational leap in capability. With deliveries commencing in 2026, the nation’s air defense will be fundamentally transformed, equipped to meet the security challenges of the 21st century. This is more than an equipment upgrade; it is a strategic investment in national sovereignty.
Ultimately, the agreement with Saab is a multi-faceted strategic initiative. It addresses a critical military need while simultaneously serving as a vehicle for economic development, technological advancement, and strengthened international partnerships. As the Gripen jets join the Colombian fleet, they will not only patrol the skies but also symbolize a new era of innovation and self-reliance for the nation.
FAQ
Question: What is the total value of the contract between Saab and Colombia?
Answer: The contract is valued at €3.1 billion, which is approximately $3.62 billion.
Question: How many and what type of aircraft did Colombia purchase?
Answer: Colombia purchased a total of 17 aircraft: 15 Gripen E single-seater models and 2 Gripen F twin-seater models.
Question: When are the Gripen jets scheduled for delivery?
Answer: The deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2032.
Question: What aircraft will the new Gripen jets replace?
Answer: The Gripen E/F fleet will replace Colombia’s aging fleet of Israeli-made IAI Kfir fighter jets, which have been in service for over 30 years.
Question: Does the deal include more than just the aircraft?
Answer: Yes, the contract includes a comprehensive package of associated equipment, weaponry, training, long-term service support, and two significant offset agreements for industrial and social projects in Colombia.
Sources
Military Technology
Saab Demonstrates Autonomous BVR AI Agents on Gripen E
Saab unveiled in-house AI agents for autonomous BVR air combat on the Gripen E after two years of flight testing.
Saab AB has successfully demonstrated autonomous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat capabilities using proprietary artificial intelligence agents integrated into a Gripen E fighter aircraft. The Swedish aerospace manufacturer officially unveiled the in-house technology on November 3, 2026, following approximately two years of airborne testing.
In a press release issued today, Saab confirmed the flight trials mark a critical step toward developing collaborative combat aircraft networks, where crewed and uncrewed systems operate as a coordinated force. The milestone underscores the company’s strategy to maintain sovereign control over its technology stack rather than relying entirely on external software providers.
Sovereign AI development and the Sferical facility
Saab centralized its artificial intelligence development under the AI Fighter Pilot Academy (AIFPA), an infrastructure designed to create, train, and evaluate AI agents. The department driving this initiative, Saab Advanced Programs, features a workforce where 40 percent of the staff hold doctorate-level qualifications, according to Aviation International News.
Peter Nilsson, Head of Advanced Programs at Saab Aeronautics, emphasized the operational focus of the project.
“We have not only built our own AI agents, but we have also flown them. This demonstrates our capability to develop AI agents that can be integrated into operational fighter aircraft. The future of air combat will not be defined by individual platforms acting alone, but by networks of crewed and uncrewed systems working together as a coordinated force. Through our ownership of the entire technology stack, we are building the capabilities needed for that future.”
To support this development, Saab recently implemented the Sferical AI facility in Linköping, Sweden. Part-owned by Saab, Ericsson, and AstraZeneca, the sovereign computing asset utilizes Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD architecture. Aviation International News reported that the facility is powered by 1,152 Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB300 graphics processing units. This computing power allows Saab to run a one-hour flight test simulation one billion times in the same period, compared to just 1,200 times in a traditional central processing unit environment.
Speaking to Breaking Defense, Nilsson outlined the primary challenge facing the AIFPA following the successful flight trials.
“The harder question is how we turn this success into a dependable capability that can learn, improve, and be relevant over time… that is the true purpose of the AI Fighter Pilot Academy.”
Gripen E architecture and testing timeline
Saab, which employs approximately 31,000 people globally, utilized the Gripen E as the primary testbed for its AI agents. The aircraft features a software-defined architecture that segregates mission software from flight-critical functions. This separation enables the rapid integration and testing of new technologies without requiring dedicated experimental platforms or compromising safety of flight.
Prior to unveiling its in-house agents, Saab collaborated with third-party developers to validate the aircraft’s autonomous potential. On May 28, 2025, a Gripen E trials aircraft flew for the first time with the Centaur AI agent developed by Helsing, demonstrating initial BVR air combat capabilities.
Following these third-party trials, Saab transitioned to testing its proprietary agents. The company briefed journalists on the readiness of its in-house AI agents for operational deployment on October 30, 2026, before the official public unveiling on November 3, 2026.
Collaborative combat and future integration
The integration of artificial intelligence into combat aircraft aligns with a broader industry shift toward Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. Defence contractors globally are developing networks where crewed fighters command uncrewed loyal wingman platforms.
Saab is actively testing the sensor networks required for these collaborative operations. On October 28, 2026, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully flight-tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab’s LoyalEye radar with an MQ-9B unmanned UAV.
Looking ahead, Saab anticipates that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Air Force will absorb these AI agents into real-world operations within months or single digits of years, according to Aviation International News. In the interim, Saab plans to expand the capabilities of its agents by flying them in a broader range of scenarios, establishing the foundation for future uncrewed platforms.
AirPro News analysis
Saab’s insistence on sovereign, in-house artificial intelligence development contrasts with competitors who heavily outsource to commercial technology firms. By owning the entire technology stack, Saab positions itself to offer highly secure, exportable AI packages free from third-party licensing bottlenecks or foreign regulatory hurdles. The massive investment in the Sferical AI facility indicates we are seeing a shift from experimental AI flight tests to industrialized, mass-scale tactical training for autonomous systems. If Saab can deliver on its timeline for Swedish Air Forces integration, the Gripen E could become one of the first Western fighters to field operational, combat-ready AI agents in frontline service.
Defense & Military
Greece Orders Up to Six Embraer KC-390 Millennium Aircraft
Greece signed a government-to-government deal with Portugal for up to six KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with first delivery in 2027.
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense has signed a government-to-government agreement with Portugal to acquire up to six Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, making Greece the seventh European nation to select the Brazilian-built tactical airlifter.
Announced by Embraer in a press release on November 2, 2026, the contract includes three firm orders and options for three additional aircraft, with the first delivery to the Hellenic Air Force scheduled for 2027. The acquisition aims to modernize Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refueling capabilities while enhancing interoperability with allied North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
Expanding the European footprint
The procurement is structured as a bilateral agreement between the governments of Greece and Portugal. By selecting the KC-390 Millennium, Greece joins a growing list of NATO and European Union member states transitioning to the jet-powered transport to replace legacy turboprop fleets.
Embraer views the Greek acquisition as a validation of the aircraft’s utility within the European defense architecture, where interoperability and multi-role flexibility are primary requirements for fleet modernization.
“We are honored by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft,” Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said in the company statement. “This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies.”
Da Costa Junior added that the aircraft’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.
The KC-390’s development and market position
The Embraer C-390 and KC-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft designed to perform aerial refueling, troop transport, and cargo airlift. Development of the platform began in the mid-2000s. The Brazilian Air Force formally joined the project in 2009 by awarding a development contract to Embraer, a manufacturer with over 55 years of history and more than 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2015, achieved civil certification in 2018, and entered military operational service in September 2019. It was developed specifically as a modern, jet-powered alternative to legacy turboprop tactical transports like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Greece is the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Outside of Europe, the aircraft has been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Colombia.
The program has seen significant momentum in recent months. On July 8, 2026, the Czech Air Force received its first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, which featured a special three-tone gray camouflage designed by the Military History Institute in Prague. Shortly after, on July 23, 2026, Colombia signed a contract for two KC-390 Millennium transports, with one configured as a tanker to support its incoming Gripen fighter fleet.
AirPro News analysis
Embraer’s success in Europe with the KC-390 Millennium highlights a definitive shift in the tactical airlift market. For decades, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules dominated this space. The KC-390’s jet-powered speed, payload capacity, and multi-mission flexibility have proven highly attractive to medium-sized NATO air forces looking to modernize. Securing Greece, a nation with stringent defense requirements and a focus on regional interoperability, validates Embraer’s strategy of leveraging early European adopters like Portugal to facilitate government-to-government sales. We expect this momentum to place increasing pressure on competing legacy platforms in upcoming recapitalization bids across the globe.
Defense & Military
US Army HADES Prototype ME-11B Completes First Flight
The U.S. Army’s first HADES prototype, a modified Bombardier Global 6500, completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026.
The U.S. Army’s first High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) prototype completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the service’s transition from legacy turboprops to high-altitude jet intelligence platforms.
In a press release issued on October 30, 2026, the U.S. Army confirmed the flight followed extensive structural modifications by lead systems integrator Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to convert a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet into a military sensor platform. The program aims to provide commanders with deep sensing capabilities to operate effectively in contested environments against advanced anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threats.
Transitioning to deep sensing capabilities
The maiden flight represents the transition of the HADES program from the structural modification phase into mission system integration and developmental flight testing. Prior to the September 11 flight, engineers and test pilots completed structural modifications, installed mission system hardware, and conducted preliminary baseline airworthiness verification at SNC facilities, likely in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The U.S. Army is actively divesting its legacy turboprop intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet, which includes platforms such as the RC-12X Guardrail and MC-12S EMARSS. These older aircraft are being replaced by high-altitude jets capable of operating further from advanced A2/AD threats. Business jets like the Bombardier Global 6500 offer operational altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and speeds around Mach 0.9, allowing onboard sensors to achieve greater line-of-sight over the horizon compared to lower-flying turboprops.
Lt. Col. (P) James Hickey, Project Manager for the U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, emphasized the operational necessity of the new platform.
“The first flight of HADES Prototype 1 transitions our vision for deep sensing from concept to reality. Deep sensing is critical to maintaining decision advantage in the future fight. HADES will help commanders see farther, understand faster, and act with greater precision across the multi-domain battlefield.”
Program timeline and fleet development
The HADES platform is a core component of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) initiative. The U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, alongside the Project Director Sensors–Aerial Intelligence, manages the procurement and lifecycle of the asset.
Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded the lead systems integrator contract for the HADES program in August 2024, a deal with a reported ceiling value of $991.3 million. The contract faced a brief suspension due to a protest by competitor L3Harris before proceeding. Bombardier subsequently delivered the first Global 6500 airframe to the U.S. Army in Wichita, Kansas, on November 25, 2024.
The U.S. Army officially designated the militarized Global 6500 as the ME-11B in early 2025. Fleet expansion has continued steadily since the initial delivery. On January 13, 2026, SNC announced the acquisition of a fourth Global 6500, intended to serve as the first non-prototype aircraft in the operational fleet.
Despite the hardware progress, the final acquisition objective for the HADES fleet remains unconfirmed by the U.S. Army. A January 2026 Request for Information outlined a fleet of 11 aircraft with an objective of 14. However, defense media reports from May 2025 indicated the Army might reduce the planned fleet to six aircraft due to budget realignments. The service has not publicly clarified the final fleet size in its recent communications.
Next steps in developmental testing
With the initial flight complete, the Army and SNC will spend late 2026 and 2027 integrating and testing HADES mission systems through a comprehensive developmental flight test program. This phase is designed to validate the aircraft’s multi-domain sensing and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.
The developmental testing will determine the effectiveness and operational readiness of the integrated systems ahead of formal operational demonstrations. Hickey noted that the achievement reflects the technical precision of military, civilian, and industry partners working to deliver transformational capabilities to the joint force.
AirPro News analysis
The successful first flight of the HADES prototype underscores a structural shift in military airborne ISR procurement. By selecting commercial business jets over bespoke military airframes or traditional turboprops, the U.S. Army is prioritizing altitude, speed, and payload capacity to counter modern A2/AD networks. This mirrors the U.S. Air Force’s approach with the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) fleet, which also utilizes a Bombardier Global airframe. The strategy allows the military to leverage billions of dollars in commercial aviation research and development, reducing both unit costs and development timelines.
However, the unresolved questions surrounding the final acquisition objective highlight the ongoing tension between ambitious multi-domain operational requirements and constrained defense budgets. If the fleet is ultimately capped at six aircraft rather than the originally envisioned 14, the Army will need to carefully manage deployment cycles and maintenance schedules to maintain persistent deep sensing coverage in key theaters like the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. A smaller fleet size would place a premium on the reliability and mission capable rates of the ME-11B platform.
-
Technology & Innovation5 days agoJoby Aviation Begins eVTOL Flights in Florida Under eIPP
-
Technology & Innovation6 days agoNASA X-59 Reaches Mach 1.53 in First Year of Flight Testing
-
Commercial Aviation7 days agoBoeing 2026 Air Cargo Forecast: Freighter Fleet to Hit 4,010
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoArcher Aviation and ITA Airways Partner on Italy eVTOL Network
-
Regulations & Safety7 days agoFAA Draft Vertiport Design Standards Remove Weight and Size Limits