"IAI's new technologies were integrated in the new Kfir jets to better
their capabilities and allow longer operational service," IAI president
Itzhak Nissan said. "The short delivery schedule and high quality of the
aircraft were feasible thanks to IAI's integration capability, and the
knowledge and experience of Lahav and other IAI divisions."
IAI, manufacturer of the jet, has upgraded two variants of the Kfir, the
C-10 and C-12 for Colombia. The enhancement included avionics that would
enable the platform to carry modern air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
Over the last 15 years, Israel has sought to unload its retired fleet
140 Kfirs, acquired in 1976. Israel has sold Kfirs to Colombia, Ecuador
and Sri Lanka.
The U.S. Navy has used Kfirs to simulate Soviet-origin fighters in air
combat training. The Kfirs were leased to the navy by a U.S. firm, Airborne
Tactical Advantage Co.
"We feel immense happiness, satisfaction, and pride for this addition to
the Colombian Air Force," Colombian Air Force Col. Diego Sepulveda Alzate
said. "We are grateful to the workers at Lahav and at IAI in general for all
their hard work."