Saab secures Colombian deal and eyes Canada, Portugal sales
The CEO of the Swedish company Saab has confirmed that advanced discussions are underway with the Colombian authorities, who have decided to purchase Gripen fighter jets. He also revealed that the same jets were offered to Canada and Portugal, countries that might reconsider their planned purchases of the F-35.
According to Reuters, Colombia will buy between 16 and 24 modern combat aircraft to replace the Israeli Kfirs purchased in the late 1980s. The Swedish Gripen will outperform the American F-16 and the French Rafale in this context. Due to the unspecified number of aircraft, Saab's CEO Micael Johansson does not disclose the potential contract value.
The Swedes offer their fighters to Canada and Portugal
Succeeding with Colombia and acquiring a new user of Gripen fighters will be a significant milestone for Saab. However, it may not be the last of its kind in the near future. According to the Swedish business newspaper Dagens Industri, Gripen fighters are also being offered to Canada and Portugal.
Such negotiations became feasible due to the confusion surrounding the F-35 fighters following decisions and statements by Donald Trump. Discussions have arisen in several countries regarding the validity of purchasing American aircraft.
The Canadian government has initiated a review process of the contract for 88 F-35 fighters, while confirming that they have only paid for 16 of them. This portion of the deal cannot be withdrawn, but the fate of the remainder is open. 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 concerning Portugal mentioned the desire to purchase about 30 new-generation fighters. Altogether, Saab could potentially secure contracts for over a hundred aircraft, which, considering the previously modest Gripen exports, would be of immense value.
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. The Swedish machine, measuring about 14 metres in length, can reach speeds up to Mach 2 (approximately 2,130 kilometres per hour) and operate at altitudes up to around 18,000 metres. It stands out among other Western fighters with the capability to operate from improvised runways (e.g., roads only a few hundred metres long). Moreover, it is noted for easier and cheaper ground maintenance compared to, for example, the F-16.
Among others, 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 the fact that, unlike the American fighter, it does not offer stealth (low observability) capabilities.
