Colombia has blocked Israeli defense companies from participating in Expodefensa 2025, even after purchasing advanced systems like the Barak MX air defense system for ballistic missile interception.
The decision was officially implemented through Corferias, the event organizer, amid deteriorating political relations between Colombia and Israel. Yet, it appears paradoxical given the scale of recent defense cooperation: Israel has sold Colombia military equipment worth over $1 billion, including advanced air defense systems such as Barak MX, capable of intercepting ballistic threats. This was reported by Infodefensa.
According to the publication, Israel ranks as Colombia’s second most important defense partner in terms of signed contracts.
In addition to the Barak MX deal, Colombia has procured a wide range of other Israeli weapon systems in recent years.
This includes 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers ATMOS 2000 from Elbit Systems, Rafael combat modules for LAV-III armored vehicles, specialized equipment to convert two Boeing 737s into electronic warfare aircraft, and ongoing negotiations to locally produce 20,000 IWI Galil assault rifles under license.
Israel has also handled routine maintenance of Colombia’s Kfir fighter jets, including servicing of Derby and Python air-to-air missiles, Spike anti-tank missiles for the army, and tactical radios like Taridan from Elbit Systems.
Colombia and Israel have maintained defense ties for 42 years, with a notable uptick in cooperation starting in the 1990s.
The current diplomatic chill stems from remarks made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, which led to official suspension of certain bilateral security agreements.
Infodefensa notes that Israeli officials appear to be taking a “wait-and-see” approach, anticipating a change in Colombia’s political leadership that could eventually restore defense cooperation.
Israel’s arms export policy is driven primarily by pragmatic commercial logic — selling where it’s most profitable, not necessarily where systems are strategically needed. But this approach can backfire, as seen now in Colombia.
It was reported that Colombia received an unusually generous Rafale fighter jet offer from France — raising questions about what makes this South American country such a prized market for global arms suppliers.
