In recent hours, through military officials, it was announced that the Colombian government secured the necessary funds to begin the contracting processes for the maintenance of the National Army’s Russian-made Mil Mi-17 helicopters. The first step was allocating the resources of the Ministry of Defense which amount to 229 billion pesos, equivalent to around 58 million dollars.
Apparently, these funds were redirected from a proposed purchase of new helicopters for the Aviation Division, with the selected model being the Leonardo AW-139. It is worth noting that neither the Colombian Army, the National Navy, nor the National Police have this type of aircraft, with only one being operational in the Air Force as a presidential transport. Once again, and as an aside from the main news, it seems absurd to choose new models from manufacturers not currently used by the Armed Forces, which implies increased maintenance and operating costs, as our officials have accustomed us to. Just as I have been critical of some decisions taken, this one is very wise and beneficial for Colombian aviation, not only for the refurbishment of the Mi-17s but also for halting the purchase of the Leonardos.
It is important to remember that the Aviation Division currently has 19 aircraft, of which only 8 are operational, and 11 are in hangars at the Tolemaida base due to lack of maintenance. It is also notable that two were lost in accidents last year. These machines are crucial for operations due to their large cargo capacity, low operating costs, and high altitude flight capability, making their upgrade absolutely necessary, as the Armed Forces as a whole lack such capabilities or similar equipment.
In statements, Colonel Julián Rincón, Commander of Aviation Brigade No. 2, reported on the transaction: “The Ministry of National Defense announced last week the allocation of a significant resource, 229 billion pesos, to address this problem with our Mi-17 fleet, a strategic capability of the National Army, and the Ministry is already in advanced commercial exploration to determine which country or company could perform this maintenance.”
This update on resource allocation and the search for providers demonstrates that the excuses previously given by the Minister of Defense lacked foundation and that maintenance was indeed possible. It was only after the publication in mass media that the Ministry gave importance to this issue.
When asked about the performance of the Mi-17s, Colonel Oscar Ortega, Commander of Army Aviation Maintenance, stated: “The Mi-17 has participated in both peace and wartime operations, in the iconic operation for us, Operation Jaque, but we have also participated in humanitarian operations in both Peru and Guatemala, in firefighting in Colombia over the past 20 years, and in every natural disaster that Colombia has faced. Operation Jaque, as we all know, was where Dr. Ingrid Betancourt, American personnel, and a total of 14 hostages were freed, which was very important, without a single shot fired, and with a unique strategy in the world.”
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
You may also like: President Gustavo Petro’s decisions and their effects on the Colombian Army
