Gripen E and KC-390
Colombia has made a significant advancement in modernizing its air force by showcasing the Saab Gripen E and Embraer KC-390 Millennium at the F-AIR 2025 air show in Rionegro. Held at José María Córdova International Airport, the event highlighted a transformative shift in the country’s defense strategy.
President Gustavo Petro symbolically stepped into the cockpit of a Gripen E fighter jet, underlining political support for a forthcoming deal. Colombia plans to replace its aging fleet of Israeli-built Kfir aircraft with 16 to 24 Gripen E/F jets. This acquisition will address both regional tensions and internal security threats.
Swedish-Brazilian Show of Force at F-AIR 2025
The airshow drew thousands of aviation enthusiasts and defense delegates. The Brazilian Air Force flew two Gripen E fighters and one KC-390, performing high-impact demonstrations. Alongside Colombia’s Black Hawk helicopters and Texan T-6 trainers, the advanced platforms clearly stole the spotlight.
Saab and Embraer set up interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to explore cutting-edge technology firsthand. Sweden’s Defence Minister, Pål Jonson, attended the opening ceremony, reinforcing the growing defense ties between Sweden and Latin America.
Gripen E: Precision, Efficiency, and Advanced Technology
The Gripen E offers Colombia a generational upgrade. Equipped with the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, the jet can detect multiple threats at long distances with unmatched precision. It features MBDA’s Meteor missiles, offering a beyond-visual-range capability of over 100 miles.
For close-range combat, the IRIS-T missile delivers infrared precision, while the GBU-39 smart bomb enables accurate air-to-ground strikes. The Gripen E can carry 15,900 pounds of payload and has 10 hardpoints, making it capable of handling a variety of missions. Powered by a General Electric F414 engine, the aircraft achieves Mach 2 and a combat radius of around 500 miles. It costs roughly half as much to operate as heavier platforms like the Su-30 or F-15.
Built for Modern Warfare and Colombian Terrain
Saab’s integration of an AI-based Centaur system enhances situational awareness by processing sensor data in real time. This capability enables pilots to make quicker, more informed decisions. The jet’s network-centric architecture links seamlessly with satellites, ground stations, and other aircraft.
Crucially, the Gripen E can operate from short, unpaved runways, aligning perfectly with Colombia’s rugged geography. It also supports interception missions against low-flying aircraft often used by drug traffickers.
KC-390: A Modern Workhorse for Multi-role Operations
Complementing the Gripen E, the KC-390 addresses Colombia’s strategic airlift needs. Capable of transporting 26 tonnes of cargo, it surpasses the aging C-130 Hercules in performance. It cruises at 470 knots and has a range of 2,000 nautical miles fully loaded.
Equipped with air-to-air refueling capabilities, the KC-390 extends the operational reach of the Gripen E. Its electronic warfare suite, including jamming systems and radar warning receivers, boosts survivability in contested environments.
Its design supports quick role changes, from troop transport to medical missions, and it can land on remote Amazonian airstrips. Embraer’s platform is ideal for disaster relief, anti-insurgency operations, and national defense.
Procurement Strategy and Regional Implications
Colombia evaluated alternatives like the F-16 Block 70 and Dassault Rafale but chose the Gripen E for its cost-effectiveness and cutting-edge capabilities. Saab’s offer includes potential local assembly through Embraer, mimicking its recent $3.5 billion deal with Peru.
Peru’s contract, signed in July 2025, includes technology transfers and local production, giving Saab a foothold in South America. By contrast, Argentina’s bid for the Gripen failed due to a British veto over components, pushing Buenos Aires towards used F-16s.
Expected to be signed by September, Colombia’s deal signals a shift away from traditional U.S. suppliers. The choice reflects broader Latin American trends that favor flexible, affordable, and technologically advanced platforms.
Operational Readiness and Training Challenges
Integrating the Gripen E and KC-390 into Colombia’s air force will require extensive pilot and technician training. The Colombian Air Force, known as Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana, has a strong legacy of counterinsurgency, but modernizing its fleet represents a generational shift.
The Kfir, in service since the 1980s, faces increasing operational risks. A 2018 crash due to mechanical failure underscored the urgency of replacement. The Gripen E’s modern radar and agility make it ideal for intercepting small, fast-moving targets over jungle terrain.
Shifting Alliances and Long-term Impact
The F-AIR 2025 air show revealed more than hardware; it signaled a strategic pivot in Colombian defense procurement. Brazil’s presence, with its Gripens and KC-390, emphasized regional collaboration. Meanwhile, U.S. platforms like the F-16 Viper were relegated to demonstration roles.
Saab’s network-centric warfare model aligns well with Colombia’s need for intelligence-driven operations against groups like the ELN. The KC-390 enhances rapid deployment capabilities, delivering troops and supplies to regions with limited infrastructure.
This dual acquisition strengthens Colombia’s ability to deter regional threats while supporting humanitarian missions. The Gripen E and KC-390 combination reflects a modern doctrine that prioritizes adaptability, affordability, and technological integration.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Colombian Air Power
Colombia’s selection of the Gripen E and KC-390 Millennium marks a defining moment in its military evolution. The transition away from U.S.-centric procurement, combined with the promise of local production and advanced capabilities, lays the foundations for a more autonomous and agile defense force.
References
- https://www.saab.com/products/gripen-e
- https://www.embraer.com/global/en/kc-390
- https://www.defensenewstoday.info/
- US Blocks Gripen-E Sale to Colombia: Is Peru Next?
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