With the aim of mutually recognizing military airworthiness certification, South Korea and Colombia entered into an agreement for the standardization of flight safety rules and standards for aircraft built by both nations. This particular agreement paves the way for the possible incorporation of KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft.
This agreement becomes relevant considering KAI’s offer to the Colombian Air Force (FAC) of the FA-50 as a replacement for the A-37B Dragonfly, which were retired in 2021. It should be noted that also part of the offers analyzed by the FAC is the Leonardo M-346 light trainer. In a higher segment, as a replacement for the IAI Kfir, the incorporation of Lockheed Martin F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen aircraft was considered.
It should be noted that recent statements made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding the current situation of the fighting between Israel and HAMAS have generated a strong diplomatic clash between the two countries, which could affect the operability of the systems operated by the Colombian Armed Forces of Israeli origin. In particular, the IAI Kfir fighters operated by the FAC, whose life horizon foreseen towards 2025 could be affected, leading to a decision regarding the FA-50, so that the FAC does not lose its combat capability with the incorporation of an aircraft that serves as a stop gap.
However, in mid-2023, the U.S. State Department gave the green light for the permanent transfer of up to 36 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters to Colombia. It is worth mentioning that Colombia was able to evaluate the Danish F-16 Block 10/15, but no further information has been officially provided regarding their acquisition at that time.
*Images used for illustration purposes.
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