Saab Deputy Head of Marketing Richard Smith denied the recent reports of the U.S. trying to block the sale of Gripen fighter jets to FAC.
Previously, Infodefensa reported that the U.S. intends to axe the sale of Swedish Gripen fighter jets to Colombia through a blockage of F414-GE-39E turbofan engines.
Saab’s Deputy Head of Marketing, Richard Smith, denied the reports, speaking to SA Defensa.
FAC has been looking for options to replace its ageing IAI Kfir fighter jets purchased from Israel. A main concern for the Colombian authorities is the costs, which has made Gripen the leading contender in FAC’s search.
Gripen is in use with the Brazilian Air Force as F-39E/F, the only user of the fighter jet in South America.
Gripen E/F is notable for its compactness and low operating/flyaway costs compared to other fourth-generation fighter jets. The latest E/F variants feature the ES-05 AESA radar, which can pivot about the mounting point to keep track of targets even when the aircraft pulls manoeuvres and onboard IRST.
