Colombia to keep Kfir fighter jets operational until October 2027, the deadline for their retirement

The Colombian Kfir C12 (Erich Saumeth Cadavid)

The Colombian Air Force (FAC) is expected to operate its Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Kfir C10/12 COA combat aircraft until October 2027 — the definitive deadline for the use of these jets — defence sector sources told Janes .

The sources linked the proposed deadline to the end of technical support provided by British company Martin-Baker for the MB Mk6 ejection seats installed in the Kfir fleet; that support is set to conclude in October 2027.

According to the same sources, five Kfir aircraft are airworthy, though that number is expected to drop to three by the end of 2026. The decline in operational availability is primarily due to issues with the General Electric J79-GE-J1EQD engines, as well as maintenance and operating costs, the sources said.

The fleet was temporarily grounded in October 2026 while personnel from IAI conducted inspections and overhauls of the engines.

The cost per flight hour currently stands at approximately USD30,000, according to the sources.

A progressive reduction in available aircraft is also impacting the FAC's strike capabilities. Sources told Janes said the limited number of operational Kfir jets is making it increasingly difficult to carry out bombing missions against drug-trafficking groups across Colombia.

According to the sources, the Colombian government has begun exploring short-term alternatives to maintain an air-attack capability while the integration of new Saab Gripen fighter-bombers, slated for late 2028, takes place.

For more, please see: Colombia acquires four UH-60L helicopters