Colombia Is Struggling to Keep Up With A Criminal Air Force

Armed groups in Colombia have developed a 'poor man’s air force' by weaponizing cheap, commercially available drones for reconnaissance and direct attacks. These non-state actors, including the National Liberation Army, are integrating drones into combined arms operations, targeting police, army patrols, and even naval vessels. This escalation is partly an unintended consequence of President Gustavo Petro’s 'Paz Total' peace initiative, which gave armed groups time to rearm and innovate. The Colombian government's response has been inadequate, characterized by outdated air defenses, a lack of doctrine, and uncoordinated procurement. The analysis suggests Colombia must create a unified counter-drone command and build a self-sustaining defense ecosystem to combat this growing threat.