Rafale is Front-runner for Colombia’s Kfir Replacement

The French multi-role fighter has emerged as Colombia’s preferred solution to replace its aging Israeli fighters.

Kfir fighter jet in Colombia — Colombia’s Kfirs have often exercised with U.S. forces, including participation in the Red Flag exercise. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

December 24, 2022

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has announced that the country will purchase new fighters to replace its elderly IAI Kfirs, despite saying that this was not a priority prior to assuming power in August. Moreover, a statement from the presidency said that Colombia has “pre-selected the French government’s offer for the sale of 16 [Dassault] Rafales,” but noted that “there are no signed contracts, it is a preliminary negotiation.” The estimated value is 15 billion pesos ($3.15 billion).

The South American country has received a number of offers, with the Lockheed Martin F-16V and Saab Gripen NG being the other main contenders. Also considered were new-build Eurofighter Typhoons, second-hand Tranche 1/2 Typhoons from Germany, and used Gripen Cs. However, the Rafale is considered “the best option for the country in terms of price, efficiency, and operability,” said defense minister Ivan Velasquez. The minister also said that the operating cost of the Rafale was 30 percent lower than that of the Kfir and that the French offer was cheaper than that for the F-16V, which had hitherto been seen as the front-runner to land the contract.

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