Defense News
December 23, 2022

Colombia begins negotiations to buy 16 Rafale fighter jets

Colombia is negotiating the purchase of 16 Rafale multirole fighter jets for its Air Force, a deal potentially worth $3.15 billion, according to a news release from the country’s president.

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Earlier this month, the president had announced during a military ceremony that the country would soon replace its Israeli-made Kfir jets, which are more than 40 years old and approaching the end of their service lives….

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Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez later explained that funding will come from a 20-year credit provided by the French government, which includes a grace period of five years before the start of payments.

The other two offers under consideration are the F-16 Block 70 from American company Lockheed Martin, and the Gripen NG from Sweden’s Saab.

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“Against what was expected from him [Colombian President Gustavo Petro] and his left-leaning background, he has launched two big military programs – to build frigates and to procure new fighter jets. He is raising the strategic profile of Colombia in South America,” Meneses said.