As part of the modernization of its aerial capabilities and after more than two decades of continuous service, the Colombian National Army has officially retired its last Bell UH-1N Huey helicopters. These aircraft, known in Colombia as the “Hunters,” carried out their final flight over the Tolemaida military fort, closing a historic chapter of more than a quarter of a century during which they became a key asset in operations against drug trafficking and the internal armed conflict.
The UH-1Ns arrived in Colombia on October 10, 1999, marking the beginning of a new era for Army Aviation. Initially incorporated as part of Plan Colombia, these helicopters represented a qualitative leap in operational capabilities, enabling the rapid deployment of troops, the execution of escort and fire support missions, as well as aeromedical evacuations in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, the “Hunters” became a symbol of the Army’s air power, participating in emblematic operations such as Sacramento, Neutrón, and the Coreguaje recovery mission.
In total, 33 UH-1N helicopters were incorporated at the end of the 1990s, although only about nine units remained active until 2025. The Army confirmed that all helicopters have begun the demilitarization process, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. According to the institution, two of them are already out of service after reaching the end of their operational lifespan. This gradual phase-out marks the definitive closure of a chapter in the history of Colombian military aviation.
Throughout their 26 years of service, the UH-1Ns accumulated more than 105,000 flight hours in command, control, aerial reconnaissance, and logistical support missions. Their versatility and reliability allowed them to operate in the most demanding environments—from jungles to mountainous regions—serving as escorts for other aircraft or ground convoys in high-risk missions. Due to their performance, the “Hunters” were considered among the most admired squadrons in the region and one of the most coveted by armed forces across the continent in the late 1990s.
Army Commander General Luis Emilio Cardozo highlighted that the creation of the Helicopter Battalion in 1997 represented a turning point for the institution, consolidating a strategic aerial capability that transformed the execution of military operations in the country. In this context, the UH-1N fleet became an essential component for air assault, tactical transport, and ground support missions, playing a decisive role in strengthening territorial control and troop mobility. The retirement of the UH-1N Hueys thus marks the conclusion of an operational cycle within Army Aviation, with the incorporation of new aircraft pending to continue their replacement.
Images used for illustrative purposes – Bell UH-1N (CH-135 Twin Huey)
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