Colombia Paramilitary Aviation • National Police Force (Policía Nacional)

Colombia Paramilitary Aviation • National Police Force (Policía Nacional)

Based on the source materials, the paramilitary aviation component of Colombia is operated by the National Police Force (Policía Nacional de Colombia). It is one of the most capable police aviation wings in the region, primarily focused on counter-narcotics, intelligence gathering, and tactical mobility in remote areas.

COLOMBIA PARAMILITARY AVIATION • National Police Force (Policía Nacional)
Colombia Paramilitary Aviation 165,050 Personnel (Total Police Force).

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
(incl Counter-Narcotics & Intelligence units)

• AIRCRAFT No combat capable. Total 46 Aircraft.

Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) / Special Mission 1 unit with 5 ac:

• 5 Fairchild C-26B Metroliner.

Transport (Light / Utility) Multiple units with 41 ac:

• 5 ATR-42;
• 3 Basler BT-67;
• 3 Fairchild C-26 Metroliner;
• 3 Piper PA-31 Navajo;
• 9 Cessna 206;
• 2 Cessna 208 Caravan;
• 2 de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter;
• 1 de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8;
• 8 Beechcraft 200/300/1900/C99 King Air;
• 3 Cessna 152;
• 3 Cessna 172.

• AIRCRAFT No combat capable. Total 88 Helicopter.

Multi-role Helicopter 1 unit with 5 hel:

• 2 Bell 407GXP;
• 1 Bell 412EP;
• 2 McDonnell Douglas MD-500D.

Transport Helicopter (Medium) Multiple units with 25 hel:

• 13 Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk;
• 9 Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk;
• 3 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk.

Transport Helicopter (Light / Utility) Multiple units with 58 hel:

• 34 Bell 205 (UH-1H-II Huey II);
• 6 Bell 206B;
• 5 Bell 206L/L3/L4 Long Ranger;
• 8 Bell 212;
• 5 Bell 407.

Capabilities & Role

The Colombian National Police Aviation is a critical element of the state's internal security and counter-narcotics strategy. It operates independently of the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) but coordinates closely on high-priority missions. The force possesses significant Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) capabilities through its fleet of modified Metroliners, which are used to monitor illicit trafficking and guerrilla activity.

The rotary-wing fleet is one of the largest in Latin America, featuring a robust contingent of Black Hawk helicopters that provide the tactical mobility required for rapid-response police operations across Colombia's diverse and often inaccessible terrain. The force maintains a very close partnership with the United States, receiving substantial support in the form of equipment procurement, technical advice, and personnel training. Additionally, Colombia's status as a NATO global partner facilitates regular training and interoperability with international security standards.