Colombian Air Force’s Kfir Fighters Replacement Complicated by President Petro’s Stance on Israel/Gaza Conflict

The process of maintaining and eventually replacing the IAI Kfir fighters of the Colombian Air Force (FAC) is threatened by President Petro’s policy stance regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

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In a statement via social media, the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, declared that Colombia «will not purchase weapons from countries that have either voted against or abstained from supporting the ceasefire proposal in Gaza at the United Nations.»

La carnicería desatada por Netanyahu en el hospital Al Shifa en Gaza.

Colombia presentará proposición en Naciones Unidas para que Palestina sea aceptada como estado pleno.

Colombia no comprará armas a países productores que hayan votado en contra o abstención en la proposición… https://t.co/OAwK2vowCw

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) November 13, 2023

This action could severely affect the maintenance of the FAC’s Israeli Kfir fighter fleet, a crucial component of Colombia’s air defense system. These aircraft might face grounding due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance services provided by Israel Aerospace Industries and other Israeli or affiliated aerospace companies.

Moreover, this policy could halt the procurement of a new fighter jet fleet intended to replace the IAI Kfir. The Colombian Air Force had been considering options from Sweden, including the Saab Gripen E, the United States for the Lockheed Martin F-16, and France for the Dassault Rafale. However, France and the U.S., as members of the UN Security Council who did not support the ceasefire resolutions, are now, as per President Petro’s policy, ineligible for future arms deals with Colombia.

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This situation also adversely affects the potential acquisition of the Swedish Gripen, which uses a U.S.-origin engine and includes British components. Both the U.S. and the U.K. opposed certain proposals at the UN.

The future of Colombian military aviation, including the operability of various U.S.-origin weapon systems like Black Hawk helicopters and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, hangs in the balance unless there is a change in the Government’s current stance.