Cali, Colombia – Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivered a strong message of national security following the signing of a $16.5 billion peso contract with Swedish defense company Saab for the acquisition of 17 Gripen fighter aircraft. Speaking at the commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the Colombian Aerospace Force in Cali, Petro asserted, “At this pace no one will dare to threaten us either outside or inside Colombia.”
The purchase, intended to modernize Colombia’s air defense capabilities, comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Caribbean and South America. Petro framed the acquisition not solely as a military investment, but as a step towards “institutional happiness,” emphasizing the advanced technology incorporated into the new aircraft. He further stated the deal represents “an association between two nations that believe in peace,progress and the defense of life – the Republic of Colombia and the Kingdom of Sweden.”
According to Petro, the Gripen aircraft represent “air superiority aircraft with the highest technology” and will have a positive “impact of social and environmental responsibility on energy, water and health issues.” The deal aims to bolster the country’s security and defense, signaling a firm stance against both external and internal threats.
