Colombia is set to finalize its choice of fighter jets from a NATO country in the coming months, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez announced, emphasizing the urgent need to modernize the country's air force. The decision comes as illegal armed groups have taken advantage of ongoing peace talks to expand their military strength.

For over a decade, Colombia has sought to replace its aging fleet of Israeli Kfir jets, which have been in service for more than 30 years. The government is currently evaluating three options: U.S.-made F-16s, Sweden's Gripen, and France's Rafale jets. "This is a matter of sovereignty. Colombia cannot be left without adequate defense capabilities," said Sanchez, a former air force general who resigned from the military to take up his ministerial role.

While he declined to specify the number of jets to be purchased or the total expenditure, the government previously allocated $3.65 billion in 2023 for the acquisition of around 16 aircraft.

Sanchez also raised concerns over the growing power of armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissidents from the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the Clan del Golfo criminal organization. These groups have expanded their operations amid peace negotiations under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Despite Petro's commitment to ending Colombia’s six-decade-long conflict, which has claimed 450,000 lives, no formal agreements have been reached with the groups, and violence persists.

Peace talks do not legally require armed groups to cease criminal activities, but Sanchez warned that their continued involvement in drug trafficking and illegal mining has bolstered their firepower. "They deceived the Colombian people, increased their narco-criminal influence, and now we must combat it," he stated.

A potential reduction or suspension of U.S. military aid would significantly hinder Colombia’s fight against drug trafficking, Sanchez cautioned. Although Washington has been gradually scaling down its military assistance, U.S. funding—including social programs—still amounts to approximately $400 million per year. With an estimated 2,664 metric tons of cocaine production capacity in 2023, Sanchez stressed that maintaining strong U.S.-Colombia cooperation is essential. "If we weaken our alliance, we create opportunities for criminal groups," he warned.