Update: Colombia eyes Danish F-16s as potential Kfir replacement

The Colombian Air Force (FAC) is interested in acquiring an undisclosed number of Royal Danish Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16s to replace its ageing fleet of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir C-10/C-12 fighters.

A FAC source told Janes on 20 January that it will send a technical team to Denmark in the coming days to assess and evaluate the aircraft offered.

The Scandinavian country is phasing out its F-16 fighter fleet in favour of the F-35 Lightning II and will sell up to 24 aircraft before 2025. The first eight F-16s will be available to international customers this year according to Lieutenant Colonel Casper Borge Nielsen of the Danish Ministry of Defence's Materiel and Procurement Agency. Col Nielsen stated that the F-16s have 5–10 years of lifespan remaining, and that along with the aircraft, Denmark will also sell large quantities of support equipment, tools, and spare parts.

Janes understands that the FAC is looking to acquire at least 15 jets to replace its Kfirs, with the used F-16s understood to cost about USD15 million each.

Besides the used Danish F-16s, the FAC is also considering the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 Block 70/72, and Saab Gripen E/F. The F-16 Block 70/72 is understood to be the preferred choice of the FAC leadership.

This story, first published on 21 January, has been updated with new information.