As part of the Colombian Army’s efforts to restore the operational readiness of its Mi-17 helicopter fleet, the recovery of these Russian-made aircraft is facing a severe crisis due to contractual breaches by the U.S. company Vertol Systems Company. The project, conceived to restore the tactical and logistical capacity of these helicopters, is currently suffering from critical delays and official observations that jeopardize not only the continuity of the contract but also the public funds allocated to the modernization of Colombia’s military aviation.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez confirmed that the maintenance and repair contract for the Mi-17s—valued at over 32 million dollars—is at risk. Although some aircraft were recovered and returned to service during the first half of the year, the remaining work has stalled. The Office of the Inspector General of the Nation reported a 92% delay in the project’s physical progress, also highlighting the absence of essential technical documentation, such as airworthiness certificates, component traceability, and contractual monitoring records. These deficiencies, coupled with a lack of transparency in progress reports, have raised alarms within the Ministry of Defense and among oversight bodies.
Contract 012-2024, with a total investment of around 38 million dollars, included the recovery of six helicopters: three delivered in June and three more scheduled for completion before November. However, the contractor has reportedly failed to meet both deadlines and technical standards. The situation is deeply concerning, as the Mi-17s are a strategic pillar of the Colombian Army—essential for logistical operations, troop transport, medical evacuations, and disaster relief missions. Aviation Brigade No. 32 had emphasized that the return of these aircraft would significantly strengthen national operational capability—an objective now seriously compromised.
This crisis unfolds amid growing tension between President Gustavo Petro’s government and the United States, within a context of unprecedented diplomatic deterioration. The problems surrounding the Vertol Systems contract are interpreted by various sectors as another sign of Colombia’s eroding trust and structural dependence on U.S. military cooperation. In this context, irregularities in the contract’s execution could further strain bilateral relations—especially following Washington’s recent decision to decertify Colombia in the fight against drug trafficking.
The Colombian government’s reaction has been firm. President Petro announced the suspension of future purchases of U.S. weaponry, calling the decertification “unacceptable” and rejecting any attempt to condition national security policy on foreign interests. This decision marks a turning point in the historically close defense cooperation between Bogotá and Washington, which for decades had been considered a cornerstone of the regional anti-narcotics strategy.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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