Colombia Signs $7.2M Deal to Maintain Kfir Fighters

4 February, 2025 An IAI Kfir fighter jet of the Colombian Air Force belonging to the 111th Combat Squadron, August 12, 2014. Photo credits: Colombian Ministry of Defense The Government of Colombia has signed a new contract for the maintenance of its fleet of obsolete Kfir fighters. 

According to ArmyRecognition, the agreement was signed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which will be responsible for servicing the aircraft. The deal is worth £7.2 million. The agreement came into force in December 2024 and will be valid until July 30, 2026.

Under this agreement, IAI will provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services for Kfir C10/12 aircraft of the Colombian Air Force. Currently, Colombia has 11 operational Kfir aircraft (nine in service and two under maintenance), powered by 27 General Electric J-79J1EQD engines (11 installed and 16 under maintenance).

IAI Kfir fighter of the Colombian Air Force. Photo credits: Pinterest.

The operational readiness of these aircraft and engines remains critical to the Colombian Air Force's ability to meet its national security needs.

Last year, it was reported that the Swedish company Saab with its JAS-39 Gripen fighter jet became the favorite in Colombia in the tender for the purchase of fighters to replace the Kfir. In December 2022, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that the country would purchase new fighters to replace the Kfir, despite the fact that the project was not a priority before the new administration came to power in August. In 2022, Colombia began to consider Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

Then plans for the F-16 were also announced. The Kfir aircraft were developed by Israel Aerospace Industries on the basis of the French Dassault Mirage III fighter.

Kfir combat aircraft of the Sri Lankan Air Force. Photo credits: Israel Aerospace Industries

In May 1988, Colombia signed a contract with Israel for the supply of 13 Kfir aircraft, which was estimated at £200 million.

In 2007, an additional batch of 24 modernized Kfir fighters was ordered.