Rank #39 · Americas
Colombia maintains one of Latin America's largest defense establishments ($14.5B, 3.2% of GDP in 2025), shaped by decades of counter-insurgency against FARC dissidents and the National Liberation Army (ELN). President Gustavo Petro's initial "Total Peace" negotiation strategy collapsed in early 2025, triggering renewed military operations in the Catatumbo region; Petro appointed a new defense minister in February 2025 with a mandate to confront armed groups. In late 2025 Colombia selected the Saab Gripen-E/F to replace its aging Kfir fighter fleet.
Colombia's defense budget has historically exceeded 3% of GDP, reflecting four decades of armed conflict. The Petro administration (2022-2026) initially sought to redirect some defense funding toward social programs under the "Total Peace" framework; however, the collapse of ELN negotiations and the declaration of a state of emergency in Catatumbo in January 2025 reversed the downward trajectory. A 10-year defense investment plan published in 2025 commits $12.7B over the decade for modernization, including counter-insurgency mobility, naval expansion, and air force recapitalization. Personnel costs dominate the defense budget, reflecting the 295,000-strong active force.
The Military Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Militares) comprise approximately 295,000 active-duty personnel: Army (~220,000), Navy (~35,000), Air Force (~14,000), and National Police (counted separately). The Army is oriented primarily around light infantry, helicopter-borne maneuver, and riverine operations in jungle and mountain terrain. The Navy operates OPVs, riverine vessels, and two Nazario Sauro-class (Type 209 variant) submarines from Cartagena. The Air Force fields Israeli Kfir CE/CT fighters (being retired), A-29 Super Tucanos for COIN, and Black Hawk/Huey helicopter fleets. Colombia is one of the most operationally experienced militaries in Latin America, shaped by continuous counter-insurgency.
INDUMIL (Industria Militar) produces small arms, ammunition, explosives, and limited armored vehicles for domestic use. Colombia's defense industry is small relative to the defense budget; most major platforms are imported. The US provides equipment under Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military Education and Training (IMET) programs, making Washington Colombia's primary security partner. The Gripen selection (late 2025) marks a significant diversification away from US-sourced fast jets. Colombian defense exports are negligible. The navy's construction program (locally-built patrol vessels at COTECMAR shipyard in Cartagena) represents the most active domestic manufacturing effort.
Colombia is in an active internal armed conflict against ELN guerrillas and FARC dissident groups (Estado Mayor Central and Segunda Marquetalia), as well as violent criminal organizations controlling coca-production territories. In January 2025, the Petro government terminated peace negotiations with the ELN and declared a state of emergency in Catatumbo department after a major ELN offensive displaced approximately 30,000 civilians. In February 2025, Petro appointed a retired general as defense minister and ordered military operations to resume. The US provides approximately $450-500M annually in security cooperation, including ISR support, helicopters, and counter-narcotics cooperation.
January 2025: ELN offensive in Catatumbo prompted Petro to end peace negotiations and declare a state of emergency. February 2025: New defense minister appointed with mandate for military operations against armed groups. Late 2025: Colombia selected Saab Gripen-E/F as replacement for the Kfir fleet; delivery expected to begin in 2026, though financing terms were still under negotiation as of early 2026. The 10-year $12.7B defense modernization plan was published mid-2025. SIPRI confirmed Colombian 2025 spending at approximately $14.5B (3.2% of GDP) in the April 2026 data release.
Colombia has fought an internal armed conflict continuously since the 1960s against FARC guerrillas (now largely demobilized after a 2016 peace deal, but with dissident factions active) and the ELN. The security environment requires a large standing army with significant air and riverine assets. At 3.2% of GDP, Colombia's ratio exceeds most Latin American peers and rivals some NATO members.
The Petro government launched "Total Peace" in 2022, seeking simultaneous negotiations with multiple armed groups. In January 2025, after a major ELN offensive in the Catatumbo region that displaced approximately 30,000 civilians, Petro formally ended peace talks and ordered military operations. In February 2025 he appointed a retired general as defense minister to lead the military response.
Yes. The US designated Colombia a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2003. The relationship is anchored by Plan Colombia (2000) and successor programs that provided over $10B in US security assistance since 2000. The US provides ISR aircraft, helicopters, training, and intelligence support. Colombia is the largest recipient of US security assistance in Latin America.
In late 2025, Colombia selected the Saab Gripen-E/F to replace its Israeli Kfir CE/CT fighters. The Kfir fleet has served since the 1980s and is approaching the end of its service life. Delivery of Gripens is projected to begin in 2026. Colombia previously operated A-37 Dragonflys and currently flies the A-29 Super Tucano for counter-insurgency tasks.