Bogotá, Nov 15 (V7N) — Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his country has finalized a $4.3 billion agreement to purchase 17 Swedish Gripen fighter jets from aircraft manufacturer Saab. The announcement comes amid rising regional tensions between Colombia and the United States, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday.

Petro confirmed the deal on Friday (November 14) and described it on social media as “a different step that will help achieve peace.” He added that the new jets are intended to “repel any attack against Colombia, no matter where it comes from.”

The purchase occurs against the backdrop of heightened US military activity in Latin America. Recent US raids targeting alleged drug-smuggling ships in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have resulted in around 80 deaths, sparking accusations of extrajudicial killings from Latin American leaders and human rights organizations. While Washington claims the operations targeted drug traffickers, it has not provided independent evidence.

Tensions between Petro and former US President Donald Trump have escalated in recent weeks, with Petro accusing the US of deploying troops to destabilize the region and exploit Venezuelan oil, while Trump has accused Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in the regional drug trade — allegations both leaders have denied.

Although US and French companies also offered fighter jets to Colombia, President Petro opted for the Swedish Saab Gripen. Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson confirmed that Colombia now joins Sweden, Brazil, and Thailand as users of the Gripen fighter jets.

END/SMA/AJ