The Government of Colombia was conducting negotiations with different countries to seek a replacement for the Colombian Air Force (FAC) Kfir. But now, amid a major economic and institutional crisis, the program is rumored to be «postponed indefinitely.»
The FAC has been looking for a modern replacement to its current fleet of 21 IAI Kfir multirole fighters, whose cells and engines are approaching obsolescence.
The same cannot be said for its electronics, as it is very modern. In fact, part of the Colombian IAI Kfir fleet was modernized with an AESA Elta ELM-2052 radar, which made the FAC a regional pioneer in the use of this technology.
However, the increase in tensions with its neighbor Venezuela and the age of the material, made getting a replacement of the Kfir of the FAC a priority.
Offers were received for the following models:
Eurofighter
Initially, Airbus offered 15 new Eurofighter Typhoons, of the latest variant (tranche 3).
Then, Spain made a proposal for 17 Eurofighter Typhoon tranche 1 (of the first versions), which will be promptly withdrawn (replaced by the Falcon Project) from the EdA. Airbus’ offer included a modernization that would bring them to a standard similar to the last tranche.
Finally, as Víctor de la Vela, director of Airbus Defense & Space for Latin America, told us in an interview with Aviacionline a few months ago, the possibility of leasing these tranche 1 aircraft was also offered.
Gripen E
From Sweden, Saab offered the Gripen E / F as the best cost-effective solution for Colombia.
In a blog created specifically by Saab for the promotion of the Gripen for Colombia, the manufacturer expands on the benefits of the model, on the broad package of technology transfer and industrial cooperation (designed to suit Colombia´s needs).
IAI Kfir NG
Israel Aircraft Industries revealed its plans to develop a more advanced version of its Kfir fighter, the NG version, and offered it to Colombia.
The Kfir NG can be acquired as new construction or as a modernization of existing units or in storage.
The Kfir NGs receive the AESA Elta ELM-2052 radar, 5th generation open electronic architecture and a cockpit similar to that of an F-35.
Another fundamental aspect of the new NG is the change of motorization. The original P&W J-79 is replaced by a General Electric F-414 that is lighter, smaller, with lesser fuel comsumption and more power output.
As a plus, the change to F414 creates room for the addition of a fuel tank of about 1000 liters.
Finally, in order to take off and operate with these increased loads, the Kfir will be equipped with new slats, assisted by a Fly-By-Wire flight system.
This was the cheapest solution out of all the offers.
F-16 Block 70
The Block 70 is the latest version of the legendary Fighting Falcon, incorporating a GE F110-GE-132 engine, APG-83 AESA radar, AN-AAQ-33 Sniper designator pod, as well as a wide array of advanced weaponry.
Our sources affirm that this was the favorite option of the FAC and the Government.
In fact, according to the newspaper El Universal, the decision-makers had opted for the F-16 and the negotiations between Bogotá and Lockheed Martin were quite advanced.
The purchase intention was for around 14 aircraft. The Defense Minister, Diego Molano, intended to advance in the negotiation with the US company so that the planes could arrive to Colombian soil between 2023 and 2026.
The contract, apparently valued at $ 4.5 billion, would include a maintenance package, weapons, engineering support, infrastructure and technology transfer.
Cancellation rumors
The replacement of the Kfir could come to nothing. In recent days, very agitated times have been lived in Colombia, since the Government accumulates a large fiscal deficit and took economic measures that affected large sectors of the population, who took to the streets to express their rejection.
The economic situation is pretty bad, and society is boiling in discontent.
In this context, logically, rumors began to spread in the aeronautical community about the freezing of the F-16 acquisition program for the FAC.
Unofficial sources consulted by Aviacionline maintain that these rumors have a lot of potential to be accurate.
As we are told, it is very possible that the government will cut the budget it had allocated to the purchase of new combat aircraft.
Although neither the Ministry of Defense nor the FAC has yet officially expressed themselves on this matter, our sources maintain that the Kfir will almost certainly continue to fly for several more years.
