According to foreign media reports, Carlos Silva, commander of the Colombian Aerospace Forces, announced on April 3 that Colombia plans to purchase 16 to 24 JAS-39E/F "Eagle Lion" fighter jets (hereinafter referred to as "Eagle Lion" E/F) from Swedish company Saab to replace the increasingly old Israeli made "Young Lion" fighter jets. At present, they are finalizing the contract details with Saab, and both parties are expected to sign the contract during the Medellin Aerospace Exhibition in Colombia in July this year. Colombian President Gustavo Pedro announced this procurement decision on social media. He stated that Colombia has signed a letter of intent with Sweden to purchase a new batch of "Eagle Lion" E/Fs equipped with state-of-the-art technology. At present, this fighter jet has been put into use in another South American country, Brazil. Swedish Defense Minister Pol Ronsson confirmed in a social media post that the two sides are negotiating on procurement matters to determine details such as procurement quantity, schedule, production location, weapon deployment, and personnel training. Colombia currently has 22 Israeli made "Young Lion" fighter jets, purchased in the late 1980s. According to reports, the maintenance work of these fighter jets can only be completed by one Israeli company. In 2024, Colombia severed diplomatic relations with Israel due to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, making the maintenance of these fighter jets even more complex. Although Colombia's new procurement plan was announced against the backdrop of severing diplomatic relations with Israel, in reality, Colombia's previous three governments have expressed their intention to replace the "Young Lion" fighter jets. The "Young Lion" fighter jet was originally scheduled to retire in 2023. Before purchasing a new fighter jet, Colombia decided to upgrade the aircraft and equip it with active phased array radar and electronic countermeasures equipment to enable it to launch air-to-air missiles such as the "Derby" and "Monster Snake 5". Afterwards, Colombia included the American made F-16C/D Block 70, Swedish "Eagle Lion" E/F, French "Rafale", and European "Typhoon" fighter jets in the candidate list for the new fighter jet. Due to defense budget constraints and other factors, Colombia has been unable to make a choice for a long time, but has proposed a possible plan to follow Argentina's example and purchase second-hand F-16 fighter jets from a third country. In 2022, the French Dassault Systeme's Rafale fighter jet was considered the most likely to be selected by Colombia. There are reports that Colombia may purchase 16 fighter jets of this type. However, currently, the Swedish "Eagle Lion" E/F will be Colombia's final choice. According to reports, although some Colombian Air Force officials tend to purchase Rafale fighter jets, the Eagle Lion E/F was ultimately selected due to its price advantage and high performance. The data shows that the factory cost of this type of aircraft is much lower than that of the "Typhoon" and "Rafale" fighter jets. Compared to earlier models of the "Eagle Lion" C/D, the "Eagle Lion" E/F is equipped with more advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems, and integrates multiple weapons. For Saab, this procurement is of great significance and will further promote its expansion into the South American market. Previously, apart from jointly producing the "Eagle Lion" E/F with Brazil, the company has been unable to expand its export market in South America. After the military purchase transaction is completed, Colombia will become another international user of the "Eagle Lion" fighter jet after Brazil, Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand, South Africa and other countries. (New Society)