US ally snubs F-16 for NATO jets amid drug war

Colombia has formally set aside U.S. proposals for the F-16 and signed a $3.6-billion contract with Sweden’s Saab for Gripen E/F fighters, closing a decade-long search for a successor to its aging Kfir fleet.

The agreement, completed over the weekend, marks a notable shift in Bogotá’s defense procurement strategy and confirms President Gustavo Petro’s long-signaled preference for the Swedish offer. Shares of Saab rose 7.4 percent on Monday, reflecting strong market reaction to the multibillion-euro deal.

Newsweek has contacted Colombia’s Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The decision marks one of the most significant shifts in Colombian defense policy in decades, moving the country away from its longstanding pattern of selecting U.S. systems for major air-power programs. For Washington, the rejection of the F-16—despite months of focused lobbying—signals a recalibration in Bogotá’s strategic posture as it seeks deeper industrial and technological partnerships with European states.

The move also comes at a moment of heightened unease in northern South America. Colombia has increased its surveillance and readiness along the Venezuelan border amid continued disputes over migration, territorial claims and military activity. The need for a modern, reliable fighter fleet has gained urgency as Bogotá balances diplomacy with the practical requirements of securing its airspace.

What To Know

Colombia’s Kfirs, acquired in the late 1980s, have become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. The Israeli-built jets now depend on aging components and specialized technical support.

However, Colombia’s diplomatic break with Israel, following President Gustavo Petro’s criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza, further cut Bogotá off from essential parts, software updates and certified maintenance assistance. With the sole support pipeline effectively severed, the urgency to find a modern, sustainable replacement grew significantly.

Why Gripen Prevailed

The Gripen E/F appealed to Colombian defense officials for its relatively low maintenance burden, high sortie-generation rate, dispersed-operations capability and long-term affordability. Saab’s extensive industrial-participation offer, which includes technology cooperation inside Colombia, was decisive. Bogotá becomes the second Gripen operator in South America after Brazil.

Petro confirmed the purchase of 17 Gripen jets with a series of posts on social media.

How the F-16, Rafale and J-10CE Lost

The U.S. mounted a robust push, offering a mix of new F-16 Block 70s and donated Block 50/52 aircraft valued at about $4.2 billion. U.S. officials emphasized NATO-style interoperability and future cooperation opportunities, framing the F-16 as a platform aligned with Colombia’s role as the alliance’s only “global partner” in Latin America. Despite this, Petro maintained earlier assessments that ranked the Gripen ahead on sustainment cost, operational flexibility and industrial commitments.

France’s Rafale impressed with raw performance, but its higher price and more limited technology transfer package left Saab’s bid stronger. China’s J-10CE was viewed as the least compatible with Colombia’s existing systems and partnership network.

What People Are Saying

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro posted on X: “This is a deterrent weapon to achieve peace.”

Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson wrote on X: “With the Colombian purchase of 17 Gripen E/F, our defense relations will deepen significantly and Colombia will receive one of the world’s greatest fighter jets.”

What Happens Next

The deal comes as U.S. military activity increases and operations against vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific continue, leaving Colombia and much of Latin America on edge. Strengthening the air force will help address readiness challenges while asserting sovereignty in a tense security environment.

Bogotá will begin detailed planning for infrastructure upgrades, pilot training and industrial-cooperation programs, paving the way for the Gripen to enter service later this decade as the backbone of the country’s future air-combat capability.