Colombia's secret ties with Russia cast a shadow on the NATO jet deal
Colombia, which in 2023 refused to transfer Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine, has found a way to resolve issues concerning their technical condition. Analysts at Defence Express indicate that this involves secret cooperation with Russia, raising additional concerns regarding Colombia's plans to purchase JAS 39 Gripen fighters.
The United States wanted to buy Colombian Mi-17 helicopters (with the intention of later transferring them to Ukraine). The authorities of this South American country did not opt for this solution. Due to sanctions against Russia (related, among other things, to banking systems) and concerns about the reaction of Ukraine's allies, Colombian entities cannot officially cooperate with Russian companies. Despite this, in recent months, the process of gradually restoring the Mi-17 helicopters needing repairs to service has begun.
Colombia secretly cooperates with Russia
According to Defence Express analysts, such a process is not possible without the involvement of Russian contractors. Colombia does not have the experience or its own facilities to produce helicopters and components, so it would not be able to independently repair the Mi-17.
Meanwhile, three such machines are set to return to service by June, and three more by December. Colombia has a total of about 20 such helicopters, of which at least half (and according to some sources, even 15) require repairs.
Defence Express analysts add that this information coincides with Russia's announced plans to open a regional helicopter repair and service centre in Peru. They add that this can be perceived as a slap to the USA since Latin America is considered America's "geopolitical backyard." Russians also participated in the International Defence Technology Exhibition SITDEF 2025 in the capital of Peru, where they presented, among other things, the MiG-35 and T-90MS tank.
Analysts warn that should Russia succeed in gaining a presence in the Latin American market, it may channel fresh resources into its defence sector — a sector currently strained by international isolation, potentially intensifying its military efforts against Ukraine. They stress that only a united and forceful reaction from the Western alliance can stop this development.
Colombia counts on NATO fighters
The secretive process of restoring Colombian Mi-17s to service coincides with negotiations that this country's authorities are conducting with the USA, France, and Sweden. These are related to plans for purchasing new fighters. The final choice will most likely fall on the JAS 39 Gripen produced by the Swedish company Saab. In early April, Colombian President Gustavo Petro made a clear suggestion.
The JAS 39 Gripen is a fighter in service with Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, among others. Interestingly, it is powered by American-made engines. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (about 2,146 km/h) and operate at altitudes up to 18,000 metres. It comes standard with a Mauser BK-27 27 mm cannon but is adapted to carry various missiles and bombs, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T, and even the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile.
According to the Colombian newspaper El Espectador, the Swedish side offered Colombia 12 JAS 39 Gripen fighters, and the offer was rated higher than the proposals for F-16s from the USA and Rafales from France.
