🇨🇴 Colombia moves toward C-390 acquisition following presidential directive

 

Colombia has taken a step toward acquiring the Embraer C-390 Millennium following a directive from President Gustavo Petro. According to reports, the decision sets in motion the process to replace part of the country’s ageing transport fleet.

The Fuerza Aérea Colombiana has long relied on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, but fleet availability has become an increasing concern. A recent accident involving a Hercules has added further pressure to accelerate a replacement.

At this stage, the directive should be understood as a political decision rather than a completed acquisition. No contract has been announced and key details, including the number of aircraft and delivery timeline, remain undefined.

The C-390 has emerged as the leading candidate due to its payload, modern systems and regional presence. The next step will be the formalisation of the procurement process, which will determine whether the current direction translates into a confirmed order.

Colombia Chooses Saab Gripen to Modernize Its Air Force

Colombia has officially selected the Saab JAS 39 Gripen as the new fighter aircraft for its Air Force, replacing the aging Israeli-made Kfir jets. President Gustavo Petro announced this decision on April 3, 2025, highlighting the government's commitment to modernizing the nation's air defense capabilities.

The Colombian government evaluated multiple options before finalizing the Gripen. Competitors included the French Dassault Rafale and the American F-16 Fighting Falcon. The decision to opt for the Swedish-manufactured Gripen was influenced by factors such as technological capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and strategic partnerships.

Colombia plans to acquire between 16 and 24 Gripen fighters. While exact figures are pending final negotiations, previous estimates from 2023 indicated a budget of approximately 15 trillion Colombian pesos (around $3.6 billion USD) for 16 aircraft.

The deal includes significant offset agreements aimed at benefiting Colombian society. These encompass the establishment of a solar panel manufacturing facility in Córdoba, initiatives to provide potable water in La Guajira, and the modernization of the San Juan de Dios hospital in Bogotá.

This acquisition marks a pivotal shift in Colombia's defense strategy, emphasizing a move towards diversifying military partnerships. The selection of the Swedish Gripen over American and French alternatives reflects Colombia's intent to establish broader international collaborations. Notably, this decision comes amid strained diplomatic relations with Israel and ongoing internal security challenges.

The Colombian government and Saab are set to enter detailed contract negotiations to finalize the terms of the purchase.

These discussions will determine the final number of aircraft, delivery schedules, and the implementation of the agreed-upon offset programs.

This modernization effort is poised to significantly enhance Colombia's air defense capabilities, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty and aligning with contemporary defense standards.

Colombia Explores Potential Purchase of Second-Hand Spanish Air Force Eurofighters

Twelve years have passed since Colombia unveiled its plans to incorporate new combat aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Kfir jets, second-hand aircraft purchased from Israel in the late '80s. However, despite four governments and several evaluated models, the project remains nothing more than an aspiration. Despite the long-postponed purchases benefiting the Armed Forces—such as constructing five frigates for the Navy during Gustavo Petro's presidency—the acquisition of new fighters is still pending.

Colombia was on the verge, by the end of 2022, of finalizing an agreement with France for the purchase of Rafale planes, but negotiations collapsed at the last moment. Now, the Colombian government has once again turned its attention to Spain, exploring the possibility of acquiring between 12 and 16 Eurofighters in service with the Spanish Air Force. Under Gustavo Petro's leadership, the government is determined to provide the Colombian Air Force with the long-awaited "air superiority" it has sought for over a decade.

To finally realize this project, valued at up to $3.8 billion, Bogotá has requested a new offer for Eurofighter units from Airbus and the Spanish government, as reported by the specialized outlet Infodefensa. According to Erich Saumeth, a Colombian analyst in defense and security matters, "Colombia was very specific that the aircraft must be at least from the Tranche 2 version, meaning aircraft with updates that allow them to have technical superiority over other currently available fighters on the continent."

Years ago, the Colombian Air Force had shown interest in incorporating second-hand Spanish aircraft. At that time, they were highly rated after a technical evaluation that also included the American-origin F-16 fighter and the Gripen, a Swedish-manufactured aircraft chosen by Brazil as its combat aircraft. However, the Eurofighter was subsequently discarded due to the high operating costs. This new opportunity to acquire these fighters has been well received by Airbus. In fact, during the Expodefensa fair, held in Bogotá in early December and being one of the most important events in the Latin American military sector, the Eurofighter regained significant prominence, which it had lost in the last editions of the event.

Throughout 2023, the Colombian government has shown a greater inclination to engage in military business with Europe rather than with the United States. While discussions have continued with the French company Dassault for the Rafale fighter, these have not succeeded due to Paris' refusal to offer improvements regarding the price and financing of the aircraft. Therefore, the renewed interest in Spanish Eurofighters could also be interpreted as Colombia's strategy in negotiations with France.

EUROFIGHTER IN SPAIN

Currently, Spain has a fleet of 69 Eurofighters distributed across the 11th Wing at Morón de la Frontera Air Base (Seville) and the 14th Wing at Los Llanos Air Base (Albacete). These units come from different production phases, known as Tranches by the manufacturer, incorporating new capabilities into the design. The Spanish Air Force has 17 aircraft from Tranche 1, 32 from Tranche 2, and 20 from Tranche 3. The latest aircraft was received in 2020.

In September last year, the Spanish government approved the purchase of 25 Eurofighters for €4.5936 billion as part of the second phase of the Falcon program, aimed at replacing the fleet of outdated F-18s of American origin. Previously, in June 2022, an agreement was signed to acquire another 20 Eurofighter aircraft to replace F-18 units at the Gando Air Base in Gran Canaria, the oldest in the Spanish fleet. With these two announced purchases, Spain will have 114 of these fighters, a number that could decrease by up to 16 units if negotiations with Colombia are successful.

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.

Colombia will replace Kfirs fleet with Rafales

The IAI Kfir of the Colombian Air Force (FAC) would be replaced by 16 Dassault Rafale, for a value of USD 3.15 billion, as confirmed Colombian Minister of Defense, over the proposals of the F-16 Block 70/72 and the Gripen E.

The Kfir of the FAC will begin to be decommissioned next year. The aircrafts have more than 40 years on service and Colombia is the only active operator of the model, with a very high maintenance cost and spare parts are difficult to obtain.

Minister affirmed that the Rafale has a flight hour cost 30% cheaper than that of the current Kfir, and the is a cheaper acquisition than the F-16 Block 70.

Colombia is currently negotiating with Francethe terms of the purchase. The acquisition of a first batch of between three and five Rafale, is expected to arrive during 2023 and the complete fleet of 16 aircraft will be implemented over the next 10 years.

That the Rafale could start arriving in 2023 may be indicative that these units could come from the French Air and Space Force stocks, similar to what was offered to Greece and Croatia.

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Airbus makes Tranche 3 Eurofighter offer to Colombia

Airbus has formally offered the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana: FAC) to replace its ageing fleet of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) Kfirs. The company has offered 15 Tranche 3 aircraft (12 single-seat and 3 twin-seat) to Colombia.
Colobia is currently evaluating and examining proposals from several countries and manufacturers for its air superiority fighter replacement programme. According to the air force, the Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70/72 and Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F have been shortlisted as a potential replacement for its Kfirs.
janes

Colombian Air Force explores Eurofighter in Spain

A team from the Colombian Air Force (FAC) evaluated the Eurofighter during a visit to one of the two Spanish Air Force wings operating the European multirole fighter.
The trip included two flight missions with the Ala 11 (Wing) based at Morón de la Frontera near the southern city of Seville, the Spanish Air Force revealed in the November edition of its official publication, Aeronáutica y Astronáutica .
It said the FAC team was also given a demonstration of various exercises such as in-flight refuelling.
Ala 11, which shares its base with the US Marine Corps' rapid reaction force for Africa, also gave a presentation of logistics support, including maintenance of the aircraft and its weapons systems.
janes

Colombian Air Force grounds IAI-built Kfir aircraft fleet

The Colombian Air Force (FAC) has reportedly grounded its entire fleet of IAI Kfir C-10.
The move is a precautionary measure against the risks of their operation after one aircraft crashed while performing approach manoeuvres near the Air Combat Command Base No. 1 in Colombia last month.
A preliminary investigation has indicated that the aircraft suffered a 'flameout,' forcing its pilot to follow protocols for ejection in the wake of low altitude, low speed and minimal chance of re-igniting the engine under such conditions.
The investigation has also ruled out the bird air strike hazard (BASH) as well as ingestion of birds by the general electric J79-GE J1EQD turbojet engine.
Meanwhile, the FAC is apparently planning to ship the power plant to IAI's Lahav division for inspection, due to the lack of clarity about the causes of the flameout.
According to the publication, the Colombian Ministry of National Defence (MND) is also planning to look out for a new company to provide the necessary maintenance of the aircraft, and also solve the ongoing problem caused by its engines.
The move is apparently driven by the dissatisfaction of the FAC high command and primarily the concerns of the pilots flying the aircraft, which have been maintained by the Israeli companies.
To date, the J79-GE J1EQD engines are believed to have caused four accidents involving three TC12 two-seaters, and one C10 single-seater aircraft.
IAI's Lahav division has been performing maintenance and repair of the Colombian Kfir engines since their introduction into service.
The Colombian Air Force is expected to have 24 Kfir C-10 aircraft in its inventory.
airforce-technology

Colombia seeks new fighter purchase

Colombia’s air force is planning to bolster its combat capabilities, with the purchase of an additional squadron of fighter aircraft.
Air force officials are now completing a study into potential candidates for the requirement, which is likely to total 18 aircraft. To potentially include a mix of used and new-build airframes, these would be operated in concert with the service’s current Israel Aerospace Industries Kfir C10 strike platforms.
Multiple types have been included in a potential candidate list:Boeing F/A-18, Dassault Mirage 2000, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Sukhoi Su-30
The need to acquire a dedicated air superiority fighter was highlighted through Colombia’s deployment of eight Kfirs to the USA in 2012 to participate in a Red Flag-series air combat exercise flown from Nellis AFB in Nevada.
Colombia’s remaining Rockwell OV-10 Broncos are likely to remain operational for around another five years, before a multi-role replacement could be sought to work with its Embraer EMB-314/A-29 Super Tucanos. Operations with its Cessna A-37B Dragonfly counter-insurgency aircraft are expected to continue for some more years though, with the air force having recently acquired a low flight-hour example from Chile and to receive two more via the Dominican Republic.
The Colombian air force also has an interest in fielding an armed unmanned air system capability as part of its future force mix. This could initially involve adding air-to-surface weapons with its existing Elbit Systems Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 air vehicles. The service also wants to field a new-generation airborne early warning and control system type, due to the age of its current one Boeing 707-based example.
flightglobal

Avanzan las conversaciones para la compra de dos lotes de F-16 para la Fuerza Aérea de Colombia

Por fuentes del sector ha podido confirmarse el avance del interés del Gobierno colombiano para la adquisición de un primer lote del caza F-16C/D.
Durante la feria F-AIR 2013, el ministro de la Defensa de Colombia visitó a puerta cerrada el stand de la Lockheed Martin con el fin de probarel simulador de vuelo del F-16, exhibido por Lockheed en la Feria..
El interés de Colombia sería el de poder adquirir un lote inicial de diez F-16C y dos F-16D (biplazas), nuevos y luego un segundo lote, a partir del año 2015.
infodefensa

Colombia orders additional Airbus Military C295 transport

The Colombian Air Force has ordered one more Airbus Military C295 to add to the five examples already ordered for use on military transport and humanitarian aid duties.

Since accepting its first C295 in 2008 the CAF has steadily increased its fleet of the type and now operates four with two more to be delivered. It also operates six Airbus Military CN235-200s and six of the smaller C212.

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eads

Colombia tendrá aviones no tripulados y radar militar en el 2015

Colombia contará en 2015 con un radar militar en el departamento del Meta y fortalecerá la construcción de aviones no tripulados para las operaciones militares, que incluso tendrán aplicaciones civiles como la vigilancia y control de oleoductos.

podermilitar

Colombia recibe B-767 cisterna/ Colombia accepts 767 tanker from IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries ha entregado el Boeing 767 convertido a cisterna para la Fuerza Aérea de Colombia en las instalaciones de IAI en el aeropuerto Ben-Gurion, cerca de Tel Aviv.
flightglobal
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Israel Aerospace Industries has delivered the Boeing 767 that it has converted as a tanker for the Colombian air force.
The aircraft was delivered to representatives of the Colombian government and air force during a 3 November ceremony at IAI's facilities at Ben-Gurion airport near Tel Aviv.
Carrying the registration FAC-1202, the cargo door-equipped aicraft was flown from the site the following day.
flightglobal

B-767 cisterna para Colombia/ IAI set to flight test 767 tanker for Colombia

El próximo mes de agosto 2010, Israel Aerospace Industries comenzará las pruebas del Boeing 767-300 transformado en avión de reabastecimiento en vuelo para la Fuerza Aérea Colombiana.
flightglobal
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Next month, Israel Aerospace Industries is expected to start flight testing of a converted Boeing 767-300 tanker for the Colombian Air Force.
flightglobal

Colombia recibe lote de aviones Kfir

La Fuerza Aérea Colombiana (FAC) recibió por vía marítima en la Bahía de Cartagena, procedentes de Israel, un lote de tres aeronaves Kfir que forman parte del paquete de 11 aviones adquiridos a ese país.
Estos aviones serán ensamblados por técnicos israelíes, quienes efectuarán vuelos de prueba para posteriormente hacer la entrega oficial a la institución. Hasta el momento han llegado siete de estas aeronaves. Este programa incluye también la modernización de los Kfir que prestan servicio en la FAC desde hace unos veinte años.
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