In a dramatic geopolitical maneuver that could reshape the defense dynamics of Latin America, China has offered to sell two squadrons of its advanced J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” multirole fighter jets to Colombia. The move, first reported by Latin American defense outlet Infodefensa, signals Beijing’s growing ambitions to expand its influence in the traditionally U.S.-dominated Western Hemisphere. At stake is far more than just an arms deal; it is a signal flare marking the emergence of China as a serious defense partner in a region long tethered to Washington’s strategic orbit.
The proposal—unveiled during Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s landmark state visit to Beijing—includes up to 24 J-10CE fighters, the export version of China’s most capable fourth-plus generation combat aircraft, each priced around $40 million. The package reportedly comes bundled with advanced weaponry including PL-10 short-range and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, elevating Colombia’s potential air power into a new era.
But beneath the high-tech sheen of the J-10C lies a deeper story: of strategic realignment, technological rivalry, and the battle for political influence in the global south.
The Fuerza Aérea Colombiana (FAC) is at a pivotal point. Its current frontline fleet is composed largely of Israeli-built Kfir fighters, first acquired in the late 1980s and upgraded in the 2010s to the C-10/C-12 standard. Despite avionics enhancements and new weapon systems, the Kfirs are well past their operational prime. Maintenance costs are spiraling, spare parts are increasingly difficult to source, and combat viability in a modern battlespace is rapidly diminishing.
The J-10C, in contrast, offers Colombia a high-performance, modern fighter jet with radar-evading capabilities, beyond-visual-range strike options, and seamless integration into a network-centric battlefield. Powered by the indigenous WS-10B turbofan engine and equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the aircraft has already proven its mettle in the skies over South Asia, notably during the tense standoffs between Pakistan and India.
For the Colombian military, this is about more than replacing aircraft—it’s about redefining national air power and projecting strength in a region where aerial capabilities are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
If the deal moves forward, Colombia would become the first Latin American nation to operate high-end Chinese fighter jets—making the offer historic in scope. For Beijing, this is not just a business transaction; it is an intentional step into a strategic vacuum.
While China has steadily grown its economic footprint in Latin America through infrastructure, mining, and trade, military engagement has lagged behind. The J-10C offer marks the most serious attempt yet by Beijing to convert economic influence into defense relationships, challenging decades of U.S. security primacy in the region.
This is a bold gamble. Latin America has long been considered part of the United States’ “backyard”—a region where American weapons, doctrine, and alliances have prevailed since the Cold War. In offering Colombia a highly capable fighter platform, Beijing is betting that rising powers in the global south are now more open to a multipolar defense environment.
China’s offer couldn’t come at a more sensitive time. Colombia is actively reviewing options to replace the Kfirs, and the government has already engaged with multiple vendors, including Sweden (with the Saab Gripen), France (with the Dassault Rafale), and the United States (with the Lockheed Martin F-16). Washington, in particular, has lobbied hard for the F-16V—a highly upgraded variant of its ubiquitous fourth-generation jet.
Yet U.S. arms sales often come with political strings attached. Restrictions under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program and interoperability requirements with NATO or Western-aligned systems can be limiting. China’s offer, in contrast, comes with few overt political preconditions, a fact that may appeal to Bogotá’s desire for a more independent foreign policy under the leftist leadership of President Petro.
Moreover, the J-10C is not just cheaper; it’s delivered with comprehensive support, training, and weapons—all tailored to appeal to countries facing fiscal constraints but aspiring to cutting-edge military capabilities.
The J-10C represents the most advanced variant in the J-10 family developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG). It features:
- Delta-canard configuration for superior agility
- Digital fly-by-wire controls enabling precision handling and reduced pilot workload
- WS-10B turbofan engine providing sustained supersonic performance
- KLJ-7A AESA radar, capable of tracking multiple targets across various domains
- PL-15 missile with a reported range exceeding 200 kilometers—on par with the U.S. AIM-120D
- PL-10 missile, offering high off-boresight capabilities for short-range dogfighting
- Compatibility with smart munitions including laser- and satellite-guided bombs
Equally critical is its integration into networked warfare—allowing it to operate in coordination with airborne early warning systems, drones, and ground command centers. This brings it closer in operational scope to Western fifth-generation concepts, despite being a 4.5-gen aircraft.
Washington is undoubtedly concerned. The J-10C offer has triggered quiet alarm bells in the Pentagon and State Department, as it challenges both the perception and reality of U.S. defense dominance in Latin America. Should Colombia choose Beijing over Washington, the implications could ripple far beyond fighter jets.
A successful deal would not only signify a dramatic soft power victory for China but could embolden other regional players—such as Venezuela, Bolivia, or even Brazil—to explore Chinese defense options. Beijing could parlay this into follow-on sales of radar systems, transport aircraft, or even naval assets.
In response, the U.S. may seek to counter the move through accelerated defense diplomacy, more favorable financing terms, or even direct political pressure. Bogotá could find itself caught in a strategic tug-of-war—with long-term implications for its foreign policy autonomy.
Inside Colombia, the proposed deal has triggered heated debate. Some military officials and analysts argue that deeper ties with China could compromise Colombia’s interoperability with traditional Western allies. Others believe that modern warfare demands looking beyond legacy loyalties and considering platforms on capability and value alone.
President Petro, who has positioned himself as an advocate of multipolar engagement and South-South cooperation, appears open to recalibrating Colombia’s strategic partnerships. His visit to Beijing and participation in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping suggest a willingness to redefine Colombia’s geopolitical identity.
Still, any final decision will likely face scrutiny from Colombia’s Congress, military brass, and civil society—especially given the potential for diplomatic fallout with the U.S.
As of mid-2025, no official confirmation has been given on whether Colombia will accept the Chinese proposal. However, multiple sources suggest the Petro administration is seriously evaluating the offer as part of its wider military modernization roadmap. Negotiations remain ongoing, and competing proposals from Sweden and the U.S. remain on the table.
If Bogotá does go forward with the J-10C, the delivery timeline would likely stretch over five years, with initial pilot training, logistical setup, and systems integration occupying the first phase.
But the implications will be felt long before any aircraft land on Colombian runways. A decision in favor of China would mark a strategic inflection point not just for Colombia, but for the entire region—a signal that Latin America is no longer bound by Cold War alignments and is ready to redefine its place in the evolving global order.
The Chinese offer of J-10C fighters to Colombia is not just about air power—it is about influence, alignment, and the future of hemispheric security. It pits old alliances against new realities and challenges Latin American nations to rethink how they define sovereignty, deterrence, and strategic independence. For China, it’s a chance to break into a new market and assert its status as a global arms supplier. For the U.S., it’s a wake-up call to re-engage with a region it can no longer take for granted.
