BOGOTA, Colombia — A tragic military aircraft crash that claimed the lives of at least 66 Colombian soldiers has ignited a fierce political confrontation over the condition of the nation’s armed forces equipment. The Hercules CJ-130 transport plane, donated by the United States in 2020, crashed moments after departing from Puerto Leguizamo Airport in Putumayo province, which features an exceptionally short runway of just 1.2 kilometers.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro launched a vehement critique against the use of secondhand military equipment, specifically targeting the donated U.S. aircraft. Through his official X account, Petro characterized such donations as ‘crappy gifts’ that ultimately incur higher costs than purchasing new equipment. ‘An army cannot defend its own people with crappy gifts,’ the president stated. ‘They give away whatever is useless to them.’
The incident has intensified Petro’s longstanding campaign to modernize Colombia’s military assets, which he claims has faced significant bureaucratic obstacles. The president suggested that officials failing to address these modernization needs should be held accountable and removed from their positions.
Aviation expert Erich Saumeth emphasized that the investigation must determine the precise cause of the four-engine aircraft’s failure shortly after takeoff, noting that the plane underwent a comprehensive overhaul in 2023 including engine inspections and component replacements.
Former President Iván Duque, who approved the original donation agreement, responded by urging Petro to maintain composure and focus on a rigorous investigation. Duque specifically highlighted the need to examine whether the plane’s weight exceeded the runway’s capacity limitations.
The tragedy has exposed deeper tensions regarding Colombia’s defense budgeting, with critics noting reduced military flight hours and delayed contract executions under the current administration.