Colombia is on the cusp of making a crucial decision regarding the purchase of new fighter jets from a NATO country, with Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing that a choice will be made within months. This move is particularly significant given the country’s ongoing struggle against illegal armed groups, which have taken advantage of peace efforts to bolster their military strength.
The need for new fighter jets is pressing, as Colombia’s current fleet of Israeli Kfir planes is over 30 years old and in dire need of replacement. The country has been exploring options for over a decade and is currently considering three top contenders: U.S.-made F-16s, Sweden’s Gripen, and France’s Rafale. Sanchez emphasized the importance of this decision, stating that “this is an issue of sovereignty. We cannot leave Colombia unprotected in this capacity”.
The government has allocated a substantial budget of $3.65 billion for the purchase of around 16 planes, but Sanchez remained tight-lipped about the exact details of the acquisition. The move to upgrade Colombia’s air force capabilities is crucial, particularly in light of the growing strength of armed groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels and the Clan del Golfo crime gang.
These groups have expanded their territorial control and increased their fighting power, despite ongoing peace negotiations with the government of President Gustavo Petro. The president, who has promised to end the six-decade-long conflict that has claimed over 450,000 lives, has yet to secure any significant accords.
Sanchez also expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a decision by the United States to cut or suspend military aid. He emphasized that such a move would have a negative impact on operations against drug trafficking, including efforts to combat cocaine production. The U.S. has been gradually reducing its military aid to Colombia, but still provides around $400 million annually, including funding for social programs.
In this context, Colombia’s decision to purchase new fighter jets takes on added significance. The country’s ability to produce over 2,600 metric tons of cocaine annually in 2023 underscores the urgency of the situation. As Sanchez aptly put it, “if we fracture, we give space to the criminals”.
