Swedish military equipment maker Saab announced on 14th November that it has entered into an agreement with the government of Colombia that is worth 3.1 billion euros, or $3.62 billion, to sell 17 Gripen fighter planes to the country within the next five years.

Saab will also supply Colombia with 15 Gripen E single-seat and two Gripen F dual-seat fighter jets and assist with military and civilian projects on two offset agreements that center on defense, technology, and infrastructure.

Gripen is a single-engine supersonic fighter jet of the fourth generation, designed with versatility. It is a multi-role aircraft that can also be used in carrying out air-to-air battle, precision bombing, and reconnaissance missions. The jet is considered cheap, and it is seen as a replacement for expensive fighters in the fifth generation, such as the F-35.

In April, the Aerospace Force commander of Colombia, Carlos Silva, announced that the country intended to purchase 16 to 24 Gripens. Colombia was faced with three options of jets: the JAS 39 Gripen and French Dassault-manufactured Rafale jets, and the F-16 jets of the U.S. company Lockheed Martin.

Neighbor Brazil has already bought 36 JAS 39 Gripen jets from Saab and established an assembly factory of the planes in the country, together with Saab.