Colombia Extends Kfir Fighter Jet Maintenance Contract with Israel Despite Diplomatic Rift
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Despite the severance of diplomatic ties between Bogotá and Jerusalem over Israel’s handling of the war against Hamas and Hezbollah, the Colombian government has been forced to sign a new contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the maintenance of its Kfir C10 fighter jet fleet.
Political Tensions and Military Necessities
In November 2023, President Gustavo Petro declared that Colombia would not purchase weapons from nations that opposed or abstained from a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This stance strained security ties between Colombia and Israel, directly impacting the readiness of the Colombian Air Force's (FAC) Kfir fighter jets, the country’s only aircraft capable of securing national airspace.
Throughout 2024, diplomatic relations continued to deteriorate, leading to Petro’s formal suspension of defense purchases from Israel in March and the official diplomatic break between the two nations.
On X (formerly Twitter), Petro said: "At last, a unanimous ceasefire resolution for Gaza has emerged from the UN Security Council. I invite the nations of the world to sever diplomatic ties with Israel if it violates this ceasefire."
Impact on Colombia’s Defense Capabilities
Israel has historically been one of Colombia’s key arms suppliers, and the diplomatic fallout has had negative consequences for the operational status of Colombia’s advanced military systems—particularly the IAI Kfir fleet.
The aging Kfir jets (though still advanced in avionics) have reached historically low operational availability, with only 11 aircraft deemed flightworthy, according to local reports.
Contract Extension with Israel Aerospace Industries
Given the delayed decision on acquiring a new fighter fleet, Colombia was compelled to renegotiate and extend its maintenance contract with IAI. Originally signed in 2022, the new agreement is valued at over $7 million and took effect on December 27, 2024. The contract will remain in force until June 30, 2026.
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