Noticias Caracol learned that the purchase order for the Rafale aircraft of French origin would be ready on December 29, taking into account the resources allocated for the purchase of the aircraft, which will leave Conpes, and with which it seeks to replace the
In the event that this purchase order does not go out on said date, there will be a period of approximately 30 days to be able to execute it and that the Rafale planes are officially acquired by Colombia.
On the other hand, the national government ruled out the purchase of the F-16 aircraft of US origin due to the costs and that they are not compatible with in-flight refueling. Within the Government’s considerations, the F-16s are much older aircraft.
Experts point out that although the acquisition cost of the Rafale is cheaper, the acquisition of parts and logistics for its maintenance is much more expensive.
“Logistics costs in pilot training and aircraft maintenance turn out to be cheaper than its competitors in the medium and long term. As for the Rafale, it may have a similar cost to the F-16, but apparently there is a longer financing term, which would make them more budgetary viable.“, specified the expert Andrés Macías.
In a process of two to three years, 5 Rafale aircraft would arrive in Colombia to replace the Kfir aircraft.