Colombian Coast Guard Aviation

Colombian Coast Guard Aviation • Aviación Naval (ARC)

Based on the source materials, the Colombian Coast Guard is an integral part of the National Navy (Armada Nacional de Colombia - ARC). Aviation support for Coast Guard missions—such as maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), and counter-narcotics—is provided by the Colombian Naval Aviation branch.

COLOMBIAN COAST GUARD AVIATION • Aviación Naval (ARC)
Colombia Coast Guard Aviation 150 Personnel (Naval Aviation total).

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
(incl Coast Guard Surface units)

• AIRCRAFT No combat capable. Total 20 Aircraft.

Maritime Patrol / Search & Rescue 1 unit with 4 MP/SAR ac:

• 2 CASA CN235 MPA Persuader.
• 2 Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin (configured for SAR).

Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) 1 unit with 1 Recce ac:

• 1 Piper PA-31 Navajo (upgraded for ISR duties).

Transport (Light / Utility) 1 unit with 15 Lt Tpt ac:

• 1 ATR-42.
• 1 CASA CN235 (Transport).
• 3 Cessna 208 Caravan.
• 4 Beechcraft King Air 90/350/360.
• 1 Piper PA-31.
• Note: Older inventory lists also include 4 Cessna 206 and 1 PA-34 Seneca.

• HELICOPTER No combat capable. Total 17 Helicopter.

Multi-role / Utility Helicopter Multiple units with:

• 1 Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec.
• 7 Bell 212 / 412 Twin Huey.
• 5 Bell UH-1N.
• 1 Mil Mi-8 Hip.
• Note: Older inventory tracks also list 1 BK-117 and 2 Bo-105 helicopters.

Coast Guard Surface Units (ARC Guardacostas)

• Total Patrol & Coastal Combatants: 17 vessels.
  • 2 San Andres / Reliance class PCO (Offshore Patrol).
  • 3 Punta Espada class PCC (Coastal Patrol).
  • 12 Patrol Boats (PB) (including Jaime Gomez, Point, and Toledo classes).

Capabilities & Role

The aviation units supporting the Colombian Coast Guard are primarily tasked with maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics, and search and rescue (SAR) operations across Colombia's vast Caribbean and Pacific maritime territories. While the fleet consists mainly of legacy systems, the force maintains high operational readiness through cooperation with the United States and NATO, of which Colombia is a global partner.

Modernization is currently supported by the state-owned naval shipbuilder COTECMAR, which produces specialized patrol and riverine craft. The fixed-wing fleet is increasingly being outfitted with specialized ISR sensors to enhance long-range reconnaissance capabilities for maritime security.