Selected but not yet ordered but a big deal for a country as it and for replaced and i bounce on my precedent post 23 Kfir whose 10 C-12 very modernised with Elta EL/M-2032 radar and Derby AAM capable for BVR combat.
Colombia will buy 36 Gripen E
Bogota, Colombian Defense Minister Carlos Villegas announced this afternoon at a press conference that the country had chosen its new combat aircraft. This is the Saab JAS-39 MS21 Gripen E. The country plans to acquire 36 aircraft for an estimated $ 4.5 billion.
"In Colombia, we are indeed a peaceful country, but we will be defenseless if we do not renew our air defense. Hence the importance of this purchasing process. We must be prepared to face any threat, to defend our heritage, "said Minister Villegas after the announcement.
A great victory for the Swedish:
This contract now brings to two the number of export customers for the new version of the "Gripen" family. A success that falls after that of Brazil. It should be noted that the Swedish manufacturer had bet to be able to find other customers on the American continent thanks to its important collaboration with the Brazilian companies Embraer and Akaer who work in collaboration with Saab.
This victory is all the more important as the Gripen E has managed to compete with the Airbus DS Eurofighter T3 and the Lockheed-Martin F-16 "Viper". The European consortium was no longer truly in the running since the beginning of the year, with purchase and flying costs being considered prohibitive. The American aircraft manufacturer has been very aggressive by proposing the F-16 "Viper" Block70 / 75 with an offer of complement in the future with the F-35....
The Swedish choice:
According to the Minister of Defense of Colombia, the choice of the Gripen E was taken on several points: the Gripen E offers the best cost-effectiveness and reduced maintenance. The aircraft is compatible with the KC-390 refueling aircraft. New technologies, including AESA radar, data fusion and a wide range of equipment (nacelles, weaponry, helmet scopes) have played in favor of the Swedish aircraft.
Moreover, Saab's offer in the area of industrial compensation also seems to be paying off. The Aerospace Industria Colombiana (CIAC), will be able to participate in the manufacture of several parts and will have access to a transfer of technology. For Colombia, this future transfer is essential to the development of the national industry.
The minister insisted from the outset that on the conditions is the transfer of technology, and that the country can receive the "open" software to independently manage the incorporation of new weapons and improvements to the software.
Customers of the Gripen E:
Sweden: 60, Brazil: 36, Colombia: 36.
It should be noted that the formalization of this contract will not be made before a few months, the time to settle the details of it.