Colombia selects Rafale Jet Over Gripen, F-16

Columbia has opted to choose the French made Rafale aircraft over the competing Swedish Gripen and the American F-16 fighters to replace the Israeli Kfir aircraft present in its inventory.

The Colombian government said France offered to sell 16 Rafale fighters with an estimated budget of 15 billion pesos (about $3 billion). The Rafales represent “the best option for the country in terms of price, efficiency and operability,” a statement from the presidency said.

There are no contracts signed, this is a preliminary negotiation, the government added. 

The Columbian Presidency stated that the cost of the planes will be paid after 5 years as they would not want to compromise on social expenditures.