Colombia – Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Saturday the completion of a major military deal to purchase 17 Swedish Gripen fighter jets from Saab. The deal is worth $4.3 billion and aims to bolster the country’s air defense capabilities.
During a visit to a military base in Colombia, Petro affirmed that the new fighter jets would contribute to deterring any potential threat. He noted that the global geopolitical environment is experiencing turmoil that could generate risks from unforeseen directions.
The president explained that the deal is part of a government plan to strengthen the air force, particularly given the recent escalation of tensions with the United States.
The government had previously announced its intention to modernize its air fleet by purchasing new fighter jets, without disclosing the number or cost. Petro then settled the matter and officially announced the details of the agreement.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, fueled by a US military campaign targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. This has further complicated the already precarious security situation in the region.
