Cash Starved Gripen Fighter Program Nears First Export Deal in Over Ten Years

Cash Starved Gripen Fighter Program Nears First Export Deal in Over Ten Years

The Colombian Air Force has been confirmed by the country’s president, Gustavo Petro, to have selected the Swedish Gripen E/F fighter for procurement, marking a major gain for the program which has long struggled to attract overseas interest. “Following the letter of intent signed by the government of the Kingdom of Sweden, and the approval of the country’s strategic air defence as a priority project, I report: the fleet of aircraft to be acquir…

Czech Republic considers revised Swedish offer to extend Gripen fighter jet lease to 2035

Although the Czech Republic plans to acquire fifth-generation aircraft to meet future operational requirements, the Gripens are expected to safeguard national airspace during the transition. The Ministry has indicated that continuing to operate the Gripens remains a preferred option to maintain airspace protection. Discussions with Sweden resumed after initial proposals were deemed insufficient. “Because the first offers did not meet our expecta…

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence announced a draft agreement for the third lease of the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets. These fighters should thus end their thirty years in the service of the Czech Army. The first planes landed at Čáslav Airport in August 2005. The last one is likely to depart in 2035. Negotiations with the Swedish side have been ongoing for the past three years. The Swedish side also offered the most modern Gripen in E/F…