Modernization of the Colombian Armed Forces

Recently, the Colombian Government has approached the United States regarding the acquisition of secondhand M1A2 main battle tanks for the Colombian Army.

Colombia’s Strategic Alliances and Military Advancements

Currently, Colombia is poised to become a major ‘Non-NATO’ ally of the United States and, as a result, is in the process of modernizing its armed forces. This includes the possible acquisition of 50 second-hand Abrams tanks from the U.S., as Colombia currently has no such vehicles in service, aside from 123 Brazilian-built Engesa EE-9 Cascavel 6x6s acquired back in the 1980s.

Tensions with Venezuela

One of the major factors driving these efforts is the current relationship Colombia has with Venezuela, which is not good at the moment. Over the last 20 or so years, Venezuela has spent billions in acquiring Russian and Chinese-made vehicles, tanks, and aircraft, including the T-72B1V main battle tank.

Colombia’s Modernization Efforts

With relations already strained, Colombia has embarked on a modernization program of their own aimed at improving and enhancing the capabilities of the Colombian armed forces.

~NC