Colombia has finalized a historic defense contract with SAAB for the acquisition of 17 Gripen-E jets, valued at approximately $4.25 billion, marking the end of its reliance on the aging IAI Kfir fleet that has served the country for over four decades. This procurement, which has faced delays due to political indecision, signifies a substantial technological leap for the Colombian Air Force, equipping it with advanced capabilities including AESA radar and modern weaponry. However, U.S. intervention in the form of denials for necessary export licenses has raised concerns about dependency on American technology, echoing broader issues faced by countries like India with its own LCA Mk-1A program, which also relies on U.S.-engine technology. The deal’s offset package, extending beyond military cooperation to sectors like renewable energy, highlights Colombia’s ambition to bolster its domestic industrial base while enhancing regional defense cooperation, particularly with Brazil, thereby reshaping the air combat landscape in South America and emphasizing the growing influence of non-U.S. aircraft in the region.