11.03.2026 08:44
The Colombian government, finding the Israeli-made Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 drones in its inventory insufficient, turned to a new search. It was stated that the country has initiated efforts for the prominent platforms of the Turkish defense industry, Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar TB3.
Colombia is preparing to retire the Israeli-made Hermes UAVs in its inventory.
Following recent tensions and technical issues between the two countries, the Colombian government has turned its focus to new alternatives, redirecting its attention to Turkey.
It has been stated that the process has been initiated for the Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar TB3 developed by Baykar.
HERMES UAVS CANNOT BE ARMED
The Colombian Air Force (FAC) is preparing to retire 6 Hermes 450 and 2 Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles purchased from Israeli Elbit Systems in 2012.
According to a report by the Ecuador-based newspaper El Comercio, this decision is driven by the recently strained diplomatic relations between Colombia and Israel.
Additionally, the inability to arm the Hermes platforms and their use solely for intelligence missions has led the Colombian military to seek new options.
BAYRAKTAR UAVS HAVE HIGH STRIKE CAPABILITY
The Bayraktar TB2, which has drawn attention worldwide, and the new generation Bayraktar TB3, capable of taking off and landing from short takeoff and landing ships, stand out with their large ammunition capacity and the success they have achieved on battlefields.
The Bayraktar TB2 gained strike capability with MAM-L, Bozok, and Kayı glide munitions, as well as the turbojet-powered Kemankeş-1.
The Bayraktar TB3, which has a higher capacity for carrying heavier munitions, can utilize the UAV-122 missile with a range of over 50 kilometers and the MAM-T munitions known for their high impact power.
CAN TAKE OFF FROM SHORT TAKEOFF AND LANDING SHIPS
El Comercio stated that the Bayraktar TB2, thanks to advanced sensor systems such as the ASELFLIR 500 and AESA Osprey 30 radar, will offer higher performance in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions compared to Israeli competitors.
Furthermore, it was expressed that the short takeoff and landing capability of the Bayraktar TB3, proven on the Turkish Navy's flagship TCG Anadolu, is considered a strategic advantage for Colombia.