Colombia's secret repairs spark concerns of a Russia alliance
In 2023, Colombia refused to transfer Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine, but the country has now found a way to address issues concerning their technical condition. Analysts at Defence Express suggest that this involves secret cooperation with Russia, raising further concerns about Colombia's plans to purchase JAS 39 Gripen fighters.
The United States wanted to buy Colombian Mi-17 helicopters to transfer them to Ukraine later. However, the authorities of this South American country did not pursue this option. Due to sanctions against Russia, including restrictions on banking systems, and concerns about reactions from Ukraine's allies, Colombian entities cannot officially cooperate with Russian companies. Despite this, the process of gradually repairing and restoring Mi-17 helicopters to service has begun in recent months.
Colombia secretly cooperates with Russia
According to Defence Express analysts, such a process would not be possible without the involvement of Russian contractors. Colombia lacks the experience and facilities to produce helicopter components, so independent repairs of the Mi-17 would not be feasible.
Meanwhile, three of these helicopters are set to return to service by June, with three more expected by December. Colombia has a total of about 20 such helicopters, of which at least half, and possibly as many as 15, require repairs.
Defence Express analysts note that this information aligns with Russia's announced plans to open a regional helicopter repair and service center in Peru. They interpret this as a challenge to the USA, considering Latin America to be America's "geopolitical backyard." Russians also participated in the International Defense Technology Exhibition SITDEF 2025 in Peru's capital, where they showcased the MiG-35 and the T-90MS tank, among other items.
Analysts point out that a successful Russian entry into the Latin American market could provide much-needed financial support to its defense industry, which has been struggling due to international isolation, and further sustain its military campaign against Ukraine. They emphasize that only a strong and unified reaction from Western countries can halt this trajectory.
Colombia counts on NATO fighters
The secret efforts to restore Colombian Mi-17s coincide with negotiations that the country's authorities are conducting with the USA, France, and Sweden regarding plans to purchase new fighters. The final selection will most likely be the JAS 39 Gripen, produced by the Swedish company Saab. In early April, Colombian President Gustavo Petro indicated this preference.
The JAS 39 Gripen is a fighter jet in service in countries such as Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Interestingly, it is powered by American-made engines. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2, about 1,335 mph, and operate at altitudes of up to 59,000 feet. It is equipped with a Mauser BK-27 caliber 27 mm cannon and can carry various missiles and bombs, including AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T, and Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles.
According to the Colombian newspaper El Espectador, the Swedish offer to Colombia includes 12 JAS 39 Gripen fighters, and this proposal was rated higher than those for F-16s from the US and Rafales from France.
