Colombia's fighter jet deal sparks concern in Kyiv
The Defence Express portal reports that the United States is considering selling used F-16 fighter jets to Colombia, originating from an undisclosed country. Ukrainian journalists fear this could involve a European nation, reducing the available aircraft pool available for Kyiv.
The situation recalls 2023, when, with the consent of the United States, 24 F-16 fighter jets withdrawn from the Danish army were sent to Argentina. Defence Express noted that the latest reports "do not sound positive for Ukraine."
Ukrainians fear for F-16 deliveries
Colombia is said to have received an offer for eight used F-16s with MLU (Mid-Life Update) packages, akin to those the "air coalition" pledged to deliver to Ukraine.
Thanks to the MLU, the F-16 fighters are equipped with modified avionics and improved radar with active phased array scanning. They have also been adapted to use a more diverse arsenal, including AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a range exceeding 62 miles.
Production of the F-16 began in 1976, and these fighter jets far surpass the capabilities of what the Ukrainian air force possessed before the outbreak of the war. The aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, feature a length of nearly 49 feet and can reach speeds of up to 2 Mach (over 1,300 mph). One Ukrainian pilot, describing the experience of using the F-16, stated in an interview with CNN that they are as precise as a "Swiss army knife".
What are the USA planning?
The Defence Express portal suggests that the fighters for Colombia will most likely come from Europe, where versions with MLU packages are prevalent. These European countries are donors of F-16s for Ukraine. Ukrainian journalists assert that "there is a real threat that the plan to receive 19 aircraft from Denmark, 30 from Belgium, 24 from the Netherlands, and 6 from Norway may no longer be changed to Kyiv's advantage."
In the context of the United States' involvement with the Colombian air force, attention is drawn to the White House administration's reluctance to allow competitors into the South American market. In the case of Argentina, there were concerns about a contract with China, while Colombia expressed interest in fighters from Sweden.
