Colombia is to buy 17 Jas Gripen planes from Saab for SEK 34 billion.
At the same time, Swedish billion investments in the country are demanded, writes SvD.
– It is most likely about at least 100 percent of the order value, says Martin Lundmark at the Norwegian Defense Academy to the newspaper.
Colombia to buy 17 combat aircraft from Saab. The contract includes 15 Gripen E, two Gripen F and associated equipment, weapons, training and support. The aircraft are to be delivered in the years 2026-2032.
The article in brief
Saab is to sell combat aircraft to Colombia for SEK 34 billion.
At the same time, the defense giant has promised Swedish counter-purchases, i.e. investments, in Colombia.
Martin Lundmark, lecturer at the Norwegian Defense Academy, tells SvD that it is probably about the same amount of money.
Which Swedish companies will make investments, or whether the Swedish state will help, is unclear.
The big deal made several top politicians happy.
– The sale of the Jas Gripen to Colombia is one of Sweden’s largest export deals ever. It is a deal that strengthens both Swedish security and the economy, and shows the clear connection between trade and security, said Minister for Aid and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M) in a press release.
– It is a clear proof of the competitiveness of the Swedish defense industry and high technological capability. With the Gripen, Colombia gets one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. I look forward to deepening the defense policy cooperation, said Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M).
The order is worth EUR 3.1 billion, i.e. approximately SEK 34 billion.
The fighter jets are to be delivered to Colombia starting next year.
Photo: Jonas Ekströmer / TT NEWS AGENCY
The promise: Swedish billion investments
At the same time, Saab has promised Swedish counter-purchases, through so-called offset agreements, in Colombia. It is common in large defense deals.
In the press release from Saab, which came during the night of Saturday, it is written:
“Saab and the Colombian government today also signed two counter-purchase agreements that outline the framework for various military and social projects. These include a comprehensive package of industrial cooperation that will benefit Colombia in areas such as aerospace, cybersecurity, health, sustainable energy and water purification technologies.”
Martin Lundmark, lecturer at the Norwegian Defense Academy, tells Svenska Dagbladet that the counter-purchase agreements are most likely about “at least 100 percent” of the order value.
“We do not go into the value in detail,” says Saab’s press manager Mattias Rådström to SvD.
Photo: Press image / Saab
Does not answer about government money
If that is true, Saab will arrange Swedish investments for close to SEK 34 billion in Colombia. The defense giant does not want to comment on the sum for the newspaper.
– We do not go into the value in detail, but it is quite common in this type of large business that there is a commitment that companies make in the buying country, says Saab’s press manager Mattias Rådström.
He further states to the newspaper that there are “a number of companies” that will establish themselves in Colombia. To SvD’s question about the Swedish state contributing money, Saab’s press manager replies:
– That is a question for the Swedish authorities to answer. In our offset commitment, we have committed to investing in Colombia in several different sectors.
Expressen was recently able to tell that Colombia’s first wife Verónica Alcocer, who like her husband Gustavo Petro was put on the US sanctions list in October, lives a life of luxury in Sweden.
