The U.S. intends to block the sale of F414-GE-39E turbofan engines used in Swedish Gripen-E/F fighter jets to ensure the purchase of F-16 fighters by the FAC.
Infodefensa reported that the U.S. authorities have shown intentions to prevent Colombia’s acquisition of Gripen fighter jets so that Colombia will move towards the F-16 option.
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, and the F-16 offer is less desirable compared to Gripen in this regard.
The aggressive stance from the U.S. is reported as a follow-up to a leak of the selection in the tender as Sweden’s Gripen-E.
Even though the engine problem might be solved somehow, the U.S. has other significant options to continue its pressure as FAC operates other U.S.-made aircraft.
The incident and the Trump administration’s negative stance against Europe might impact negotiations for European fighter jets in other countries, not only Gripen but also Eurofighter and Rafale.
