Surprise! Colombia shortlists Dassault Rafale to replace its Kfirs

Confirmed by the Minister of Defense, the IAI Kfir of the Colombian Air Force (FAC) would be replaced by 16 Dassault Rafale, for a potential value of USD 3.15 billion.

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During an interview given by the Colombian Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, to Radio Caracol’s 6AM program, it was confirmed that the Government is leaning towards the choice of the French fighter, over the proposals of the North American F-16 Block 70/72 and the Swedish Gripen E.

El ministro de Defensa Iván Velásquez (@Ivan_Velasquez_) confirmó en #6AM que tras estudiar 3 propuestas, el Gobierno se inclinaría por la compra de aviones de guerra franceses porque tienen buen precio, eficacia y operatividad. Esta oferta tiene un costo de $15 billones. pic.twitter.com/tJVkgGWRdw

— 6AM Hoy por Hoy (@6AMCaracol) December 21, 2022

The current fleet of IAI Kfir aircraft of the FAC will begin to be decommissioned as of next year, since due to their advanced age (aircraft with more than 40 years on their back) and because Colombia is the only active operator of the model, they have a very high maintenance cost and spare parts are difficult to obtain.

Likewise, Minister Velásquez affirms that the Rafale has a flight hour cost 30% cheaper than that of the current Kfir. Furthermore, he stated that the Rafale has a cheaper acquisition price than the F-16 Block 70, the most modern production model of this emblematic fighter-bomber.

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The Colombian government is currently negotiating with France and Dassault the terms of the possible purchase. In this first instance, Colombia would have a budget of 678 million dollars, which would allow the acquisition of a first batch of between three and five Rafale, expected to arrive during 2023.

Velásquez informed that the plan to complete the fleet of 16 aircraft will be implemented over the next 10 years.

One of the fundamental aspects that would be favoring the selection of the Rafale is that the FAC can quickly have the first French fighters, once the contract is signed. That the Rafale could start arriving in 2023 may be indicative that these units could come from the French Air and Space Force stocks, similar to what was offered to Greece and Croatia.

On the contrary, it would have to wait a few years after the closing of the negotiations to obtain the first aircraft, if the Swedish or American option had been chosen, and the end of the Kfir’s operational life is imminent.