Colombia Halts Arms Purchases from U.S. Amid Drug War Decertification

Bogotá, Colombia – September 15, 2025 – In a significant shift in its defense posture, Colombia has announced a suspension of all arms purchases from the United States. This decision follows the U.S. government's decertification of Colombia in its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

President Gustavo Petro revealed the move during a Council of Ministers meeting, stating, "The dependence of the Colombian Army and the Military Forces on United States weaponry ends. No more alms or gifts." This declaration signals Colombia's intent to pursue greater military autonomy and re-evaluate its long-standing security partnerships.

The U.S. decertification places Colombia in a category with nations like Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, citing a "demonstrable failure" to meet international drug control obligations over the past year. This designation, the first for Colombia in nearly three decades, reflects concerns in Washington over record-high coca cultivation and cocaine production within the South American nation. Coca cultivation has tripled in Colombia over the past decade, reaching a record 253,000 hectares in 2023. Despite the rebuke, the U.S. administration issued a waiver, preserving aid and security cooperation, a move that softens the immediate impact but underscores the strained bilateral relationship.

Colombia's Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, has previously emphasized the nation's commitment to the anti-drug fight, highlighting achievements in eradication and interdiction. This year alone, Colombia has eradicated 11,000 hectares of coca crops, with a goal to reach 30,000 hectares, and seized over 700 tons of cocaine. [Original text, though search results indicate figures may vary for 2025, with one source mentioning 654 metric tons seized so far this year and 884 metric tons in the previous year.] However, manual eradication under President Petro's government has slowed significantly compared to his predecessor's term.

Historically, Colombia has been a cornerstone of U.S. security cooperation in Latin America, receiving substantial foreign assistance since the inception of Plan Colombia in 2000. This partnership, totaling over $10 billion from FY2000 to FY2018, was instrumental in stabilizing the nation and combating armed groups. However, recent years have seen a divergence in strategies and growing tension between the Petro administration and Washington, particularly concerning drug policy.

This decision to halt U.S. arms purchases also aligns with a broader trend in Colombia's defense strategy to diversify its international partnerships. Earlier in the year, Colombia welcomed the acquisition of fighter jets from Sweden, signaling a departure from its traditional reliance on U.S. and Israeli suppliers. This strategic pivot aims to enhance national sovereignty and adapt to evolving geopolitical landscapes.

The U.S. decertification, while mitigated by a waiver, represents a significant symbolic blow. It raises questions about the future trajectory of bilateral relations and Colombia's capacity to independently secure its borders and advance its national interests in the complex arena of international security and drug control.