Overview

The Defense sector in Colombia offers opportunities for U.S. companies in both public and private procurement.  Colombia’s persistent security problems continue to shape the country’s agenda. Key factors that disrupt stability include: high illicit coca production, public safety issues linked to the Clan del Golfo (Colombia’s most powerful drug trafficking and criminal organization), the U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) ELN (Spanish: Ejército de Liberación Nacional), FARC-EP (Spanish: Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejercito del Pueblo), Segunda Marquetalia, and Tren de Aragua, all with disperse but active factions. 

All security and defense purchases for the Colombian Armed Forces are made through tenders publicized in Colombia Compra Eficiente  private invitations, and the Colombian Air Force Purchasing Agency (ACOFA). All governmental purchases for these sectors are tied to the budget assigned to the Ministry of Defense. Having a local representative is highly advantageous for foreign suppliers. A local rep provides valuable expertise in navigating Colombia’s procurement system, ensures compliance with local regulations, and facilitates communication with government agencies.

As for Colombian manufactures in the defense sector, only the state entity Military Industry (INDUMIL) can manufacture and commercialize weapons, ammunition, explosives, and blasting accessories, per constitutional mandate. Other state-owned defense companies include: the Corporation of Science and Technology for the Development of the Naval and Maritime Industry (COTECMAR); the Corporation of the Colombian Aeronautics Industry (CIAC); and the Corporation for High Technology for Defense (CODALTEC), which focuses on improving technology in the defense sector.

The Colombian Defense Ministry has a budget of approximately $15.5 billion, which is equivalent to roughly 11.7% of the total Colombian budget for 2025 ($132 billion). Most of the defense budget is designated for operational activities, such as payroll, procurement of basic goods and services, and pensions. About four percent of the total budget ($620 million) will be invested in strengthening the security and strategic capacity of the Armed Forces, through the purchase of equipment, hardware, weapons, ammunition, communication upgrades, and carry out major scheduled maintenance or replacement for aging equipment. Colombia aspires to develop the local defense sector to reduce the county’s large defense trade deficit; however, efforts are constrained by a limited defense budget. The domestic defense sector is highly underdeveloped, only capable of producing small arms, ammunition, light weapons, and small, basic aircraft and patrol vessels, meaning that the vast majority of the Armed Forces’ needs are acquired through imports.

Current Administration Policy of Total Peace (Paz Total)

President Petro has made “Total Peace” a central goal of his administration by focusing on negotiating with all illegal armed groups in Colombia, including U.S.-designated FTOs and transnational criminal organizations; implementation of the 2016 Peace Accord between the government and the FARC; strengthening the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed groups. This approach demanded a shift in focus, resources, and budget from military operations to social and economic projects and programs.

Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Criminal Activity

In November 2021, the United States delisted the FARC from its list of FTOs. The 2016 Peace Accord between the Government of Colombia and the FARC resulted in a significant improvement in Colombia’s security situation; however, FARC dissident groups FARC-EP and Segunda Marquetalia (both of which have splintered into even smaller factions), the ELN, the Clan del Golfo, the FTO Tren de Aragua, and criminal networks continue to pose serious threats. Bombings, extortion, kidnappings, and violence continue within the country because of the control they have over the network of drug trafficking, criminal mining, and other illicit industries like extortion.  These groups can operate with relative impunity in places where the presence of the state is lacking.

Tense diplomatic relations and lax border security arrangements with neighboring states complicate Colombia’s security landscape. Poorly policed border regions with Ecuador and Venezuela have traditionally been a stronghold for Colombia’s terrorist organizations and criminal groups that can take advantage of the lucrative trade in illicit goods and substances.

U.S. Defense Assistance to Colombia

Under Plan Colombia, the U.S. provided significant funding, technical assistance, and equipment to Colombian-led counternarcotics programs for drug eradication and interdiction. The Plan expired in 2012, but American support remains critical to Colombia’s Armed Forces.

In 2022, Colombia was designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States. This special status carries economic and military privileges: advantages in the fields of defense trade and security cooperation; loans of material, supplies, and equipment for cooperative research and development; as well as enhanced cooperation in areas of interoperability, building integrity, training, and education.  Colombia became NATO’s only Latin American Global Partner in 2017 and cooperates with the United States via NATO on interoperability and training; obtaining NATO certifications for Colombian military units; and supporting demining, cyberdefense, and other shared priorities. 

Through the Foreign Military Sales Trust Fund, the U.S. Department of Defense provides equipment and training to the Colombian Military and Police through military assistance programs. Other sources of funding include the U.S. State Department and programs, such as the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) programs. INL has been the main source of funding for equipment acquisition in Colombia since 1990 through private military consulting firms. These firms operate through an open market competitive bidding system, mainly focused on supporting the National Police for drug eradication and interdiction operations.

The United States continues to enjoy a privileged relationship with Colombia for military equipment acquisitions; however, competitors from France, Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom are also important players and are increasingly gaining market share. The Colombian Military tends to use standardized equipment and values relationships, quality, warranties, interoperability, and familiarity with the equipment. According to official estimates, the U.S. import market share in 2024 represented 48% of Colombia’s total imports of military equipment, reflecting a rise from the previous year (40%) despite an overall drop in value.  France has 37% of the market share, and Canada has 4%.

Leading Security and Defense Sub-Sectors and Opportunities

Colombia continues to be a defense equipment importer via state-owned entities; INDUMIL (arms, ammo, explosives), CIAC (aviation), CODALTEC (technology), and COTECMAR (naval). These entities can be key partners for U.S. companies that are willing to do technology transfers as their new policy is to improve their capabilities and become an exporter to the region; however, Colombia will maintain a large defense trade deficit for the foreseeable future given the highly underdeveloped nature of its local defense sector.

Like other armed forces, Colombia continues to upgrade equipment across its service branches, making it an attractive market for a variety of products and services:

1.    Land Vehicles and Maintenance: Preventive and corrective maintenance, including supply of new and original spare parts for official vehicle fleets (Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet), acquisition of armored vehicles and upgrades for existing fleets, and specialized driver training for armored vehicles.
2.    Aircraft and Aerospace: Upgrades, parts, and support for existing aircraft fleets (Blackhawk, Huey, Airbus, Bell, Cessna, ATR, CN-235, ATR-42), and acquisition and maintenance of navigation and geospatial equipment (GPS RTK/HI TARGET V200 GNSS, advanced total stations).
3.    Naval Capabilities: Acquisition and maintenance of riverine and maritime vessels, including patrol boats and support for shipbuilding (steel, batteries, navigation systems), maintenance and supply for naval assets, docks, and related facilities.
4.    Weapons, Ammunition, and Protection: Acquisition of small arms, ammunition (including specialized rounds), and personal protective equipment (helmets, riot shields). Modernization and maintenance of artillery systems. Combat material for special forces and anti-explosive units.
5.    Communication, Surveillance, and Intelligence: Acquisition and maintenance of Motorola communication equipment (APX5000, APX900), including accessories and software licenses. Upgrades and maintenance for CCTV and biometric access systems. Acquisition of radio communication systems, radars, and surveillance equipment. Integration of information and intelligence systems.
6.    Technological and Cyber Capabilities: Acquisition of IT hardware, software, cybersecurity services, and data center solutions. Ballistic fingerprint information systems and predictive crime analysis tools. Construction and technological outfitting of new command-and-control centers.
7.    Support and Logistics: Comprehensive waste management services for defense facilities, cleaning, disinfection, and pest control services for vehicles and buildings, supply and maintenance of fire extinguishers and emergency response equipment and professional services for quality management, legal support, and organizational transformation.
8.    Personnel Welfare and Training: Acquisition of uniforms, footwear, and welfare services for defense personnel and their families. Professional training in defensive and evasive driving, and non-formal education for staff. Support for psychosocial risk management, incentives, and organizational culture programs.
9.    Specialized Equipment: Equipment for manual eradication of illicit crops, light, hand-held demining devices for rugged terrain and high-tech medical equipment and devices for defense health services.
 

Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET):

Autonomous Systems and Robotics

Colombia is increasingly exploring the use of autonomous systems and uncrewed technologies to enhance surveillance, border control, and counter-narcotics operations in remote and high-risk areas. Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), including drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, are particularly valuable for monitoring difficult terrain such as dense jungles or coastal borders. There is a growing market for U.S. technologies offering integration of AI-driven autonomous navigation, object recognition, and swarm capabilities. Additionally, ground-based robotic systems for mine detection, route clearance, and cargo transport in hostile or inaccessible regions represent a promising opportunity for U.S. suppliers.

Space Technologies and Systems

With Colombia’s signing of the Artemis Accords in 2022 and its ongoing collaboration with NASA, the country is signaling a strategic intent to expand its space capabilities. Colombia has already launched FACSAT-1 (2018), a nanosatellite focused on earth observation and technology demonstration, and followed up with FACSAT-2, launched in 2023. FACSAT-2 represents technological advancement, featuring improved imaging capabilities and on-board data processing to support national security, environmental monitoring, and disaster response efforts. Looking ahead, FACSAT-3 is under development, aiming to further expand Colombia’s sovereign space capabilities in communications and remote sensing.

Integrated Communication and Networking Technologies

The Colombian Armed Forces continue to prioritize interoperability and secure communications to enhance command and control capabilities across branches. The need for reliable, encrypted communications in both urban and remote operational environments creates demand for integrated solutions.

Data Privacy, Data Security, and Cybersecurity Technologies

Colombia’s defense and intelligence sectors have identified cybersecurity as a strategic priority, particularly as the country increases digital interconnectivity and cloud adoption. Threats from transnational criminal organizations and state-level cyber actors highlight the need for end-to-end encryption, threat detection systems, digital forensics, and cyber incident response platforms. Opportunities exist for U.S. cybersecurity firms to provide threat intelligence services, secure data centers, and training programs for cyber defense units.

Customs, Regulations, and Standard

The majority of defense and military equipment have no tariffs due to the implementation of the CTPA.  Companies are encouraged to check the Harmonized Code (Schedule B) to better understand the tariffs and taxes they would have to pay to export to Colombia. Corruption and lack of transparency in public procurement are the largest non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. companies in Colombia.

Trade Events

•    ColombiaMar, 2027, Cartagena 
•    Feria de la Seguridad Integral July 2025 (annual)  
•    F-Air: Rionegro, Antioquia July 2027 (biannual) 
•    Feria Internacional de Seguridad, August 27 – 29, 2025 (annual) 
•    Fire Expo Latam, Medellín, September 30 – October 2, 2025 
•    Expodefensa; Bogota, Colombia, December 1-3 , 2025 (biannual) 

For additional information, including market analysis, trade events, and the products and services that the U.S. Commercial Service can provide to help you succeed in the Colombian market, please contact:

U.S. Embassy Bogota
Lina Contreras
Commercial Assistant
Lina.contreras@trade.gov  
+57 (322) 729-2528
https://www.trade.gov/colombia