Will the Rafale cross the Atlantic? In a lengthy message posted on social media, the Colombian presidency appears to be seriously considering replacing its Israeli K-FIR fighters. She says the French fighter jet is one of the best options “in terms of price, efficiency and operability.”
A fleet of 16 aircraft under discussion
Therefore, the Rafale seems to be in a good place against its competitors. It was shortlisted by the Ministry of Defence, which also studied the Swedish Gripen and the American F-16.
A decision has not yet been made and no contract has been signed, Bogotá says. The discussions that began 12 years ago between France and Colombia refer to 16 planes for a maximum amount estimated at 3,000 million euros, or 15,000 million pesos. The Presidency thus corrects the figure of 26 billion pesos, “as was said badly.”
“A question of national sovereignty”
Before coming to power in August, the new leftist president, Gustavo Petro, had opposed the purchase of new fighter jets for financial reasons. He now he explains that this contract is a necessity.
However, the presidency clarified that these planes would not be financed by the tax reform. This emblematic project of the president, approved at the end of November by the Colombian Congress, aims to tax the richest as well as the oil sector. If this negotiation comes to an end, “this debt will begin to be paid within five years,” the Presidency stressed on Twitter.
Source: BFM TV
