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Colombia: NATO's valued non-member partner in the Western Hemisphere and beyond
While not a NATO member, Colombia is increasingly viewed as a key global partner for the 32-nation Alliance and U.S. combatant commands like U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM).
Exercises and Partnerships
STUTTGART, GERMANY-- As a major non-NATO U.S. Ally, Colombia has actively participated in various NATO exercises and operations, strengthening interoperability and cooperation with Allied forces. Recently, Colombia demonstrated its commitment to collaborating with like-minded nations worldwide by participating in the U.S. Department of Defense-led and U.S. European Command-coordinated Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE), demonstrating its commitment to the shared values of freedom and security.
"Through our active involvement with NATO Allies and partners around the world, Colombia demonstrates its strong desire to foster relationships beyond the Western Hemisphere and its commitment to stability and security efforts,” said Colombian Army Brig. Gen. Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gomez, Senior Coalition Activities Advisor, Exercises and Coalition Affairs, U.S. Southern Command. “Colombia and its military forces are committed to supporting global peace efforts under the principles of Western democracy, with our government prioritizing the protection of life as its highest objective."
LSGE 24 incorporated nearly 30 wide-ranging exercises and military activities to highlight America’s robust presence and capabilities alongside Allies, partners and fellow U.S. combatant commands.
Within the framework of LSGE, exercises like USSOUTHCOM's Tradewinds and Resolute Sentinel play a crucial role. These exercises focus on countering transnational threats and enhancing regional security cooperation with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, an effort of critical importance in today's interconnected world as events in one region can quickly impact nations across the globe.
Notably, key NATO Allies such as Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom also participate in these exercises alongside Colombia. This collaboration allows for the sharing of best practices, fine-tuning militaries’ ability to operate as one, and the strengthening of operational capabilities to effectively address common security challenges.
This year, NATO’s Allied Special Operations Forces Command certified Colombian Special Forces during USSOUTHCOM’s Fused Response in which they used the NATO special operations planning process and tactics, techniques and procedures. This certification highlights the interoperability and readiness of Colombian Special Forces to operate alongside NATO Allies, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards set by the Alliance for conducting complex and dynamic security missions
Colombia's efforts to enhance security within its borders contribute to regional stability, which in turn benefits European security by disrupting transnational criminal networks and curbing the flow of illegal drugs and other illicit goods to Europe.
Support to Ukraine
Much like Japan in the Far East, Colombia in the Western Hemisphere has demonstrated its commitment to global security by providing non-lethal military aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. This assistance includes items such as helmets, bulletproof vests and night vision goggles, underscoring Colombia's solidarity with Ukraine and its support for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Colombia’s contributions to Ukraine, combined with international efforts to blunt an autocratic leader’s attempts to erase a sovereign country, demonstrates the strength of partnership and cohesive resolve toward global peace, stability and freedom
Space Military Integration
Colombia is an emerging space partner to the U.S. and recognizes the importance of space capabilities to its military operations. In 2021, USPACECOM and the Colombian Air Force signed a space situational awareness information-sharing agreement to promote greater safety and stability in the space domain, a prime example of the nation’s effort to expand space cooperation.
In 2024, Colombia participated in USSPACECOM’s Global Sentinel capstone event alongside participants from 25 nations to strengthen and grow international partnerships, deepen integration, and strengthen interoperability through exercises focused on space situational awareness and command and control.
Expanding space cooperation and deepening integration among nations with a shared commitment to the responsible uses of space increases collective security in all domains.
Colombia has been a steadfast military partner with the U.S. for many decades and recently completed a bilateral Space Capabilities Alignment Conference with the U.S., where both nations engaged in high-level discussions on space domain awareness and explored avenues for future collaboration in space-related initiatives.
Additionally, USEUCOM, USSOUTHCOM and USSPACECOM are working closely with Colombia and other Allied and partner nations in building an operational space coalition of countries in the Western Hemisphere that are closely aligned with NATO through space domain operations.
Colombia's contributions to global security, its participation in multinational exercises, and its commitment to space collaboration underscore its importance as a key partner for USEUCOM, USSOUTHCOM, USSPACECOM and NATO. The strong partnership among Colombia and these organizations plays a vital role in maintaining regional and global stability, countering transnational threats and promoting international cooperation.
This featured story was written in collaboration with U.S. European Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Space Command, NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and NATO Allied Special Operations Forces Command.
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Colombian Army opens a new process for the purchase of 9,000 rifles for its special forces.
The objective of the project is to reequip its Special Forces with a new, light and reliable weapon
Source in Spanish
www.infodefensa.com
The objective of the project is to reequip its Special Forces with a new, light and reliable weapon
Source in Spanish
Colombia abre proceso para la compra de 9.000 fusiles para sus fuerzas especiales
El documento indica que el peso máximo debe ser de 2.89 kg con el arma descargada, mientras que las opciones colombianas oscilan entre los 3.0 kg y los 3.6 kg en las versiones Galil ACE, y e ...
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The Argentine government is advancing in its quest to strengthen its naval capabilities, with plans to acquire three Scorpene submarines from France’s Naval Group in a deal anticipated to reach $2 billion. Sources from Buenos Aires indicate that a Letter of Intention (LoI) was expected to be finalized by mid-October, although negotiations surrounding financial terms are taking longer than anticipated.
The urgency for the acquisition stems from the dire state of the Argentine Navy’s submarine fleet, which currently has no operational vessels. The ARA San Juan, one of two TR-1700 type submarines constructed in Germany during the 1980s, was tragically lost in the South Atlantic in November 2017. Additionally, upgrades to its sister ship, ARA Santa Cruz, initiated in 2016, have been stalled since 2020, effectively rendering the project abandoned. The ARA Salta, an aging Type 209 submarine, remains in service but is restricted to basic training manoeuvres due to its inability to dive. In light of these limitations, Argentine naval crews are seeking practical experience with the Peruvian Navy.
Despite France’s willingness to offer favorable credit terms for the new submarines, Argentina faces challenges in securing necessary loan guarantees, a situation complicated by the nation’s complicated financial history. Vicente García, a security and defense analyst based in Montevideo, asserts that while new submarines are essential for the Argentine Navy, cost management is crucial, considering that other military branches also require modernization. García suggests that purchasing pre-owned vessels might be a more prudent option under the current economic constraints. With President Javier Milei’s administration implementing administrative cuts and reducing social services to improve fiscal liquidity, the nation remains in a precarious situation. He warns that high country risk assessments, coupled with a poverty rate affecting up to 57% of the population, could lead to social instability and further economic decline.
Argentina has, however, moved forward with recent acquisitions, including second-hand F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft from Norway for its Air Force and Navy, respectively. The current procurement agenda also encompasses new frigates, armored vehicles for the Army, helicopters across all services, and a modern standard assault rifle. As Argentina navigates this intricate procurement landscape, the future of its naval capabilities hangs in the balance.
https://www.ssbcrack.com/2024/10/fi...der-argentinas-pursuit-of-new-submarines.html
The urgency for the acquisition stems from the dire state of the Argentine Navy’s submarine fleet, which currently has no operational vessels. The ARA San Juan, one of two TR-1700 type submarines constructed in Germany during the 1980s, was tragically lost in the South Atlantic in November 2017. Additionally, upgrades to its sister ship, ARA Santa Cruz, initiated in 2016, have been stalled since 2020, effectively rendering the project abandoned. The ARA Salta, an aging Type 209 submarine, remains in service but is restricted to basic training manoeuvres due to its inability to dive. In light of these limitations, Argentine naval crews are seeking practical experience with the Peruvian Navy.
Despite France’s willingness to offer favorable credit terms for the new submarines, Argentina faces challenges in securing necessary loan guarantees, a situation complicated by the nation’s complicated financial history. Vicente García, a security and defense analyst based in Montevideo, asserts that while new submarines are essential for the Argentine Navy, cost management is crucial, considering that other military branches also require modernization. García suggests that purchasing pre-owned vessels might be a more prudent option under the current economic constraints. With President Javier Milei’s administration implementing administrative cuts and reducing social services to improve fiscal liquidity, the nation remains in a precarious situation. He warns that high country risk assessments, coupled with a poverty rate affecting up to 57% of the population, could lead to social instability and further economic decline.
Argentina has, however, moved forward with recent acquisitions, including second-hand F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft from Norway for its Air Force and Navy, respectively. The current procurement agenda also encompasses new frigates, armored vehicles for the Army, helicopters across all services, and a modern standard assault rifle. As Argentina navigates this intricate procurement landscape, the future of its naval capabilities hangs in the balance.
https://www.ssbcrack.com/2024/10/fi...der-argentinas-pursuit-of-new-submarines.html
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Colombia to buy Saab fighter aircraft, Swedish public radio reports
OSLO, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Colombia will buy a fleet of JAS Gripen fighter aircraft made by Sweden's Saab, Swedish public radio SR's Ekot news broadcast reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, but Colombia's government declined to immediately confirm the purchase.
Shares of Saab
"We have taken note of the information in the media but cannot comment further at this time. We have previously had a dialogue with Colombia regarding the sale of Gripen, but there is currently no contract," a Saab spokesperson said.
https://www.reuters.com/world/ameri...raft-swedish-public-radio-reports-2024-11-05/
Peru
armyrecognition.com
Peru Modernizes Armored Fleet with South Korean 4x4 K808 IFVs and K2 Tanks to Replace Soviet-Era Vehicles
Peru Modernizes Armored Fleet with South Korean 4x4 K808 IFVs and K2 Tanks to Replace Soviet-Era Vehicles
armyrecognition.com
Argentina
thedefensepost.com
Argentine Air Force Takes Delivery of First Ex-Danish F-16 Jet
The Argentine Air Force has received the first of 24 F-16B combat aircraft from Denmark as part of a contract signed in April.
thedefensepost.com
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Argentina
Argentine Air Force Takes Delivery of First Ex-Danish F-16 Jet
The Argentine Air Force has received the first of 24 F-16B combat aircraft from Denmark as part of a contract signed in April.
Yes, its confirmed, they arrive this week!!! Another set of F-16 flying in South America
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Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Naval has inked a contract with compatriot design, engineering, and support service provider Nevesbu for the platform engineering scope of the Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate for Colombia
As disclosed, the scope of the contract includes both basic engineering and detailed engineering. Nevesbu, a specialized naval architect and platform systems integrator, will work with Damen Naval Procurement to evaluate and contract suppliers to meet the equipment and service requirements of the PES frigate.
“This project highlights the power of collaboration within the Damen Shipyards Group, with Nevesbu’s advanced naval architecture and platform systems integration capabilities playing a key role,” said Damen Naval Project Director Jasper Oreel.
“We are proud to contribute to the realisation of this advanced frigate for the Colombian Navy,” added Bart van Rijssen, Managing Director of Nevesbu.
According to Damen, this partnership will allow the company to enable COTECMAR, Colombia’s shipyard in Cartagena, to construct a frigate locally for the first time, which is expected to produce up to five modern warships for Bogotá’s naval force.
The PES design is based on the Damen Naval SIGMA 10514 series, which has previously been built for Indonesia and Mexico. The vessel will have a length of 107.5 meters and a beam of 14.02 meters. The first PES frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2030.
https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/12/23/damen-nevesbu-unite-to-work-on-colombian-navys-pes-frigate/
Indonesian KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332)
As disclosed, the scope of the contract includes both basic engineering and detailed engineering. Nevesbu, a specialized naval architect and platform systems integrator, will work with Damen Naval Procurement to evaluate and contract suppliers to meet the equipment and service requirements of the PES frigate.
“This project highlights the power of collaboration within the Damen Shipyards Group, with Nevesbu’s advanced naval architecture and platform systems integration capabilities playing a key role,” said Damen Naval Project Director Jasper Oreel.
“We are proud to contribute to the realisation of this advanced frigate for the Colombian Navy,” added Bart van Rijssen, Managing Director of Nevesbu.
According to Damen, this partnership will allow the company to enable COTECMAR, Colombia’s shipyard in Cartagena, to construct a frigate locally for the first time, which is expected to produce up to five modern warships for Bogotá’s naval force.
The PES design is based on the Damen Naval SIGMA 10514 series, which has previously been built for Indonesia and Mexico. The vessel will have a length of 107.5 meters and a beam of 14.02 meters. The first PES frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2030.
https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/12/23/damen-nevesbu-unite-to-work-on-colombian-navys-pes-frigate/
Indonesian KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332)
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Peruvian national shipyard SIMA christened and launched two new patrol boats built with the technical assistance from Korean shipbuilder STX for the Peruvian coast guard.
SIMA Peru and Korea’s STX carried out the christening and launching ceremony for two new patrol boats: B.A.P. “Río Huarmey” and B.A.P. “Río Nepeña”
This joint work is performed in a larger frame of relations between Peru and South Korea meant to upgrade technical skills of Peruvian shipyard and upgrade capabilities of Peruvian Navy and Coast Guard. For the record, last year HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (“HHI”) signed a contract for the local construction of four naval vessels: one frigate, one OPV and two LCUs that will be manufactured locally and delivered by 2029. A few months later, HD HII and SIMA signed a MoU for a joint submarine development also to be built locally.
The new patrol boats are 56.4m in length, 8.5 meters in width and have a maximum speed of 23 knots with a displacement of 500 tons. These boats will be powered by 2x Caterpillar 3516C HD diesel engines which produce roughly 3,400 shp of thrust in total.
The vessels are equipped with one 30mm Typhoon RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon Stations) and two sets of 12.7mm MiniTyphoon machine guns. It is also fitted with one Toplite EOS (Electro-Optical, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system. The new vessels will play a key role protecting Peru’s coast, cracking down on illegal fishing and drug smuggling, and preventing maritime terrorism.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-new...ew-patrol-boats-for-the-peruvian-coast-guard/
SIMA Peru and Korea’s STX carried out the christening and launching ceremony for two new patrol boats: B.A.P. “Río Huarmey” and B.A.P. “Río Nepeña”
This joint work is performed in a larger frame of relations between Peru and South Korea meant to upgrade technical skills of Peruvian shipyard and upgrade capabilities of Peruvian Navy and Coast Guard. For the record, last year HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (“HHI”) signed a contract for the local construction of four naval vessels: one frigate, one OPV and two LCUs that will be manufactured locally and delivered by 2029. A few months later, HD HII and SIMA signed a MoU for a joint submarine development also to be built locally.
The new patrol boats are 56.4m in length, 8.5 meters in width and have a maximum speed of 23 knots with a displacement of 500 tons. These boats will be powered by 2x Caterpillar 3516C HD diesel engines which produce roughly 3,400 shp of thrust in total.
The vessels are equipped with one 30mm Typhoon RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon Stations) and two sets of 12.7mm MiniTyphoon machine guns. It is also fitted with one Toplite EOS (Electro-Optical, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system. The new vessels will play a key role protecting Peru’s coast, cracking down on illegal fishing and drug smuggling, and preventing maritime terrorism.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-new...ew-patrol-boats-for-the-peruvian-coast-guard/
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Colombian Kfirs continue operations up to at least July 2026
The Latin American media Infodefensa reports that the Colombian government signed a US$ 7 million maintenance contract with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) so the aircraft can continue operational service up to mid-2026 in C10-standard configuration. Even that the actual goverment has broke diplomatic relations with Israel the last year,
The Fuerza Aerea Colombiana (FAC, Colombian Air Force) has currently nine operational Kfirs on the flightline, while three are in maintenance. Seven or eight Kfirs are more-or-less permanently stored.
The FAC Kfir COA's and COD's are based at Palanquero and assigned to Escuadrón de Combate 111 of Combat Group 11.
As of now, the main active users of the Kfir are the FAC and in the near future again the Sri Lanka Air Force. The latter is in the process bringing back the type in the air
Source in Spanish
www.infodefensa.com
The Latin American media Infodefensa reports that the Colombian government signed a US$ 7 million maintenance contract with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) so the aircraft can continue operational service up to mid-2026 in C10-standard configuration. Even that the actual goverment has broke diplomatic relations with Israel the last year,
The Fuerza Aerea Colombiana (FAC, Colombian Air Force) has currently nine operational Kfirs on the flightline, while three are in maintenance. Seven or eight Kfirs are more-or-less permanently stored.
The FAC Kfir COA's and COD's are based at Palanquero and assigned to Escuadrón de Combate 111 of Combat Group 11.
As of now, the main active users of the Kfir are the FAC and in the near future again the Sri Lanka Air Force. The latter is in the process bringing back the type in the air
Source in Spanish
Colombia firma un nuevo contrato en defensa con Israel por el mantenimiento de los aviones Kfir
A pesar de las declaraciones del presidente colombiano, Gustavo Petro, acerca de suspender las relaciones en defensa y seguridad con Israel en marzo de 2024, el país sudamericano ha fi ...
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Venezuelan Navy intrudes Guyana's EEZ - Naval News
Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana continue to rise with the Venezuelan Coast Guard recently making incursions into Guyana’s EEZ
www.navalnews.com
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