Colombia takes off: F-Air 2023 showcases innovations in UAVs, drones and ART systems

The Colombian Air Show F-Air 2023 is returning as an in-person event on July 12, following a virtual celebration in 2021.

The Colombian Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, will inaugurate the event alongside leaders from the Armed Forces and prominent figures from the nation’s political and administrative spheres.

In an interview, Velásquez highlighted Colombia’s involvement in developing innovative aerial systems, particularly in the UAV/Drones/ART domain.

Colombia’s national government has actively supported the growth of the aeronautical industry.

Two significant developments are underway.

The final testing and certification phase of the ART Quimbaya, designed by the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Defense, and the production of the UAV Coelum, the country’s first unmanned system, by the Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana (CIAC).

The Colombian Air Force already operates six units of the UAV Coelum.

Colombia and Spain are strengthening their ties in the industry, demonstrated by President Gustavo Petro’s visit to Spain.

During this visit, President Petro and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting the aerospace industry’s development in Colombia.

This commitment includes advancing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), with a specific focus on the RPAS Sirtap (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System).

The government’s support extends beyond UAVs, with efforts to facilitate talent training, accumulate experience and knowledge, and establish regulatory frameworks for safe and responsible UAV usage.

These frameworks cover areas such as airspace security, privacy, data protection, and operational safety.

Notable developments associated with these systems include the Directional and Multiband Drone Inhibitor, developed by Codaltec, showcasing technological advancements in Colombia.

The government fosters innovation and the creation of new dual-use technologies through the Grupo Social y Empresarial de la Defensa (GSED).

This entity consolidates and unites the business capabilities of the decentralized sector of the Colombian Defense, aiming to contribute significantly to Colombia’s growth by promoting initiatives, projects, technologies, and dual industries that serve the country’s development.