Colombia Eyes Gripen Aircraft as Solution to Replace Aging Kfir Fleet

Saab is participating in ExpoDefensa 2023 in Colombia with the aim of presenting a solution to replace the aging Israeli-made Kfir combat aircraft from Colombian Air Force. The main attraction of their exhibition is a life-sized replica of the Gripen multirole fighter aircraft, which stands as a pivotal asset in Saab's endeavor to secure a contract with the Colombian Air Force.

Apart from the Gripen replica, Saab showcased high-fidelity simulators for both the Gripen fighter and the RBS 70 NG air defense system at the Colombia exposition. Saab's engagement with Colombia extends beyond the exhibition halls. In 2022, the company initiated a partnership with CODALTEC, focusing on virtual reality to enhance flight simulation realism. This collaboration aims to create a more authentic training environment for Gripen E/F fighter pilots and forms the cornerstone for developing simulation software integral to Saab's proposal for the Colombian Air Force.

Beyond the expo, Saab is showcasing a diverse portfolio at ExpoDefensa 2023, encompassing maritime, land, and air systems. The product range includes the Gripen fighter plane, the RBS 70 NG air defense system, Giraffe Radars, Electronic Warfare Systems, 9LV Naval Combat Management System, and the Submarine A26.

As of 2022, the Colombian Air Force operates a fleet of 22 Kfir aircraft, comprising 10 Kfir C-10, 9 Kfir C-12, and 3 Kfir TC-12 variants, emphasizing the urgency and significance of finding a suitable replacement. Saab's Gripen emerges as a candidate for this role.

The Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir, developed in the 1970s, stemmed from the Israeli Air Force's necessity to enhance the ground-attack capabilities of the Dassault Mirage IIICJ due to its limited range. The Mirage IIICJ, acquired from France, served as the basis for the Kfir, which aimed to address these deficiencies.

Powered by the General Electric J79 turbojet engine, the Kfir featured modifications to the airframe and internal fuel tank arrangement for increased capacity. The Ra'am B prototype showcased revised cockpit features, strengthened landing gear, and Israeli-built avionics. The Kfir C7 variant specifications include a length of 15.65 meters, a wingspan of 8.22 meters, and a height of 4.55 meters, with a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. The IAI Bedek-built General Electric J79-J1E turbojet engine enables a maximum speed of 2,440 km/h (Mach 2.3) and a combat range of 1,000 km or 670 km, depending on configuration. The armament includes two Rafael-built 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons, air-to-ground rockets, and air-to-air missiles.

The Kfir has various variants, such as the Kfir C.10 with adaptations like the Elta EL/M-2032 radar for export and the Kfir TC.10, an upgraded version for the Colombian Aerospace Force. Another variant, the Kfir C.12, developed for Colombia, is based on the C.7 but lacks the Elta EL/M-2032 radar. The Kfir demonstrates adaptability through its diverse configurations, addressing specific operational requirements for different users.

Contrasting the Kfir, the Saab JAS-39 Gripen E-series, with a heritage dating back to the late 1980s, is a versatile fighter aircraft that has been in operational use since 1996. Employed by various air forces, including those of Sweden, Brazil, South Africa, and Hungary, the Gripen E/F series features an electronic warfare suite with jamming capabilities and countermeasures. Its secure data-linking system enables communication with other aircraft and ground stations, and advanced sensor systems, such as an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, contribute to its target detection capabilities.

Equipped with modern avionics, the Gripen E/F series incorporates a "Wide Area Display" (WAD), a large touchscreen developed by AEL Sistemas, aimed at enhancing pilot situational awareness and ease of operation. Recognized as a "swing-role combat aircraft," it emphasizes reliability and the ability to operate with minimal personnel and ground support equipment for decentralized operations. The aircraft's adaptability to operate from compact, unprepared landing strips further enhances its tactical flexibility.

In terms of design and specifications, the Gripen E has a length of 15.2 meters, a wingspan of 8.6 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. Achieving a maximum speed of Mach 2 at high altitude, it features ten pylon stations for carrying various payloads, including reconnaissance pods, weapons, and external fuel tanks. The internal fuel tanks have been expanded, providing a 40% increase in capacity compared to its predecessor.

Armed with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, including missiles, guided bombs, and a 27mm Mauser BK27 high-velocity gun, the Gripen E is designed to fulfill diverse mission requirements. Its Selex ES-05 Raven AESA radar system offers a wide field of view and look-behind capability. The inclusion of an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor, an advanced electronic warfare (EW) system, and communication systems like ROVER and Link 16 further contribute to its capabilities. Powered by the General Electric F414G engine, the Gripen E achieves supersonic speeds without using an afterburner, enhancing fuel efficiency and mission endurance.

Argentinian Kfir negotiations set to resume

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has so far exported 40 Kfir Block 60 upgraded fighter aircraft, and plans to assemble and upgrade another 12-14 for Argentina.
Sources say negotiations about the proposed sale to Argentina are about to resume, following two previous rounds of talks that did not result in a contract.
Sources in Latin America say the price of the proposed deal is the main stumbling block, but “not the only one”.
The Kfir Block 60 is the latest version of the fighter, which includes J-79 engines. It also takes the aircraft back to zero flight hours after a total overhaul, and will cover the next 1,600 flight hours before another overhaul is required.
The upgraded fighter carries an Elta 2032 active electronically scanned array radar, and will have an open architecture that will allow the customer to install other systems.
According to Elta, the radar provides an all-aspect, look-down, shoot-down performance, operating simultaneous multi-mode air-to-air and advanced strike missions.
Kfir jets are in service with the air forces of Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka.
The Colombian air force has upgraded its Kfirs to the existing level, dubbed C-10/12, which includes an Elta EL/M-2032 radar, a Rafael Litening targeting pod, a head-up display colour cockpit, and an aerial refuelling system.
flightglobal

Argentina to sign for AESA-equipped Kfir fighters

Argentina is expected to sign a contract on 10 November covering the purchase of 14 Kfir Block 60 fighters. The nation's air force opted to acquire upgraded examples of the Israel Aerospace Industries-produced combat aircraft, which have been non-operational for two decades.
IAI had been offering a Block 60 version of the roughly 40-year-old Kfir design, powered by a GE Aviation J79 engine. The company says the powerplant will be supplied in a "zero-hour" condition after a complete overhaul, with replacement required after 1,600 flight hours.
The upgraded fighter also will be fitted with an Elta Systems EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and use open architecture avionics that will allow the customer to instal other systems. Elta says the sensor provides an all aspect, "look-down shoot-down" performance, and will support simultaneous air-to-air and strike missions, with the ability to track up to 64 targets.
flightglobal

Argentina enviará delegación a China para la compra de 24 JF-17. No se descarta la compra de Mirage F1 a España o Kfir Block 60 de Israel

Argentina negocia con China la compra de hasta 24 aviones chinos caza FC-1/JF-17 con capacidad de llegar hasta las Islas Malvinas, según lo confirmó el ministro de Defensa. El funcionario adelantó que entre este fin de semana y la semana que viene una delegación oficial viajará al país asiático para empezar las conversaciones.
El ministro de Defensa aclaró que China no es el único país con el que negocian para la compra de aviones de combate. Por el momento, la Argentina tiene "dos opciones formales": los modelos F1 españoles y los Kfir Block 60 de Israel.
Cuando tengan todas las ofertas formales sobre la mesa se resolverá qué aviones comprar, con la intención de que esto suceda antes de fin de año.
lagaceta

Argentina seeks Kfir deal with Israel

Argentina is negotiating a deal to purchase 18 rebuilt and upgraded Kfir Block 60 fighters from Israel Aerospace Industries. The acquisition could be an alternative to a planned deal to buy 16 former-Spanish air force Dassault Mirage F1s for the nation's air force.
IAI in September 2013 said it was in advanced negotiations with at least two air forces that wanted to purchase its Block 60-standard Kfir. A company source projected that first aircraft deliveries could occur within a year of a deal being signed, with a market existing to sell "two- to three-squadrons".
As the latest upgrade of the Israeli-made fighter, the new configuration involves giving the General Electric J79-powered aircraft a total overhaul, and re-equipping it with an Elta Systems EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an open architecture avionics suite.
Originally developed for the Israeli air force and first flown more than 40 years ago, the Kfir is currently in active service with three operators: Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka. The Colombian air force's C10/C12-standard examples are the most recent to have been supplied, and are equipped with Elta's AESA radar, large-screen multifunction displays, a Rafael Litening targeting pod. They are also adapted for in-flight refuelling.
flightglobal

Two air forces eyeing Block 60 Kfirs, says IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries is in "very advanced negotiations" with at least two air forces that want to purchase the company's upgraded Kfir fighter in its Block 60 configuration.
The Kfir Block 60 is the latest upgrade for the Israeli-made fighter, which has been flying now for 40 years. The variant is offered with a General Electric-designed J79 engine with zero hours after a total overhaul, and will need another one after 1,600 flight hours.
Elta Systems will supply its EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array radar, with open architecture avionics to allow a customer to install other systems.
According to Elta, the new sensor will provide an all-aspect, look-down/shoot-down performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, with the capability to simultaneously track up to 64 targets.
All of the ex-Israeli air force Kfirs that have been stored at one of the service's desert bases for several years are to be transferred to an IAI upgrade facility. "This line will be busy in the coming years," the IAI source says.
Current users of previously-upgraded Kfirs include Colombia and Ecuador.
flightglobal