Colombian Air Force begins deployment of first Israeli Barak MX air defense missile system.

Colombia has begun integrating its first Israeli-made Barak MX air defense missile system into Colombian Air Force service under a contract with Israel Aerospace Industries. The move strengthens national air defense coverage and signals a long-term shift toward layered, high-end military capabilities.

Colombia has formally initiated the operational deployment of its first Israeli-made Barak MX air defense missile system battery, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military modernization program, according to a December 25, 2025, Globes report. The system is being delivered by Israel Aerospace Industries under a $131.2 million agreement signed in 2022, with the Colombian Air Force now introducing the initial command-and-control infrastructure and advanced radar elements into operational service.
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Colombian Air Force begins first operational deployment of the Barak MX air defense system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, marking the country’s first deployment of a multi-layered missile defense architecture. (Picture source: IAI)

The Barak MX is an Israeli-made, state-of-the-art modular air defense system capable of engaging a wide range of airborne threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, cruise and surface-to-surface missiles, and tactical ballistic targets. Designed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the system centers on a smart, battle-proven command-and-control center that provides full interoperability with various radar arrays and vertical-launch systems. Its open architecture allows seamless scalability, enabling users to tailor defenses based on mission scope, threat types, and terrain.

At the heart of the Barak MX system is its ability to integrate and operate three distinct interceptor missile variants, each offering a different engagement range and tactical function.

Barak MRAD (Medium Range Active Defense) is a short-range, high-speed interceptor optimized for threats within 35 kilometers. It uses a single-pulse rocket motor and radar homing head, making it ideal for low-flying targets such as UAVs and cruise missiles in close proximity.

Barak LRAD (Long Range Active Defense) extends the intercept range up to 70 kilometers and incorporates a dual-pulse rocket motor, increasing its agility and lethality against maneuverable targets at medium range. It also uses an advanced radar seeker for terminal guidance.

Barak ER (Extended Range) is the long-range variant capable of neutralizing threats at distances up to 150 kilometers. This missile includes a booster, a dual-pulse rocket engine, and enhanced radar-homing capabilities, enabling engagements against high-speed, standoff threats such as cruise missiles and advanced combat aircraft.

All three interceptors are vertically launched, providing rapid 360-degree coverage with minimal logistical footprint. The system’s multi-function radar and C2 architecture enable simultaneous tracking and engagement of numerous threats across multiple domains, ensuring full-spectrum coverage in both peacetime and combat scenarios.

While Colombian authorities have not specified the exact mix of interceptors selected, the deployment of the Barak MX command and radar infrastructure confirms that the country is establishing a scalable platform capable of integrating the full interceptor suite over time. The first battery is currently being installed at a central Colombian Air Force base, where operational crews are undergoing system training and integration under Israeli technical guidance. Initial trials and intercept exercises are expected to begin in 2026 as part of Colombia’s phased deployment plan.

The acquisition of the Barak MX reflects more than a technological upgrade – it signals a broader shift in Colombia’s defense doctrine. Traditionally focused on counterinsurgency and internal security, Colombian military planning is now placing greater emphasis on airspace sovereignty and strategic deterrence. Defense officials have identified the growing threat of UAV incursions, aerial surveillance by non-state actors, and the emergence of low-cost precision threats as major concerns, particularly in border regions and in areas with limited state presence.

The arrival of the Barak MX system also marks a new chapter in the strategic defense relationship between Colombia and Israel. Over the past decade, the two nations have deepened military-technical cooperation across several domains. Colombian forces have procured Rafael’s Spike anti-tank guided missiles, Elbit Systems’ Hermes 450 tactical UAVs, and advanced digital communications suites, all tailored to irregular warfare and jungle operations. Israeli firms have also played a central role in upgrading Colombia’s Kfir fighter jet fleet, integrating modern avionics, radar, and precision strike systems.

The Barak MX, however, introduces a strategic layer to that partnership, elevating the focus from tactical advantage to national defense infrastructure. Its export to Colombia positions the country as the first in Latin America to operate the system, setting a regional benchmark for modern air and missile defense.

For Israel Aerospace Industries, the Colombian program expands the global footprint of the Barak MX, which is already in use or in delivery in India, Azerbaijan, and Morocco. The system’s modular nature, NATO interoperability, and combat-proven performance make it attractive for mid-sized militaries seeking advanced air defense without the operational complexity or political constraints of U.S. or European systems.

With full operational capability expected by 2032, Colombia is laying the groundwork for a sovereign, modern, and scalable air defense architecture. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from past doctrine and reflects a growing recognition of new-era threats that demand national-level response capabilities. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve, Colombia’s adoption of the Barak MX may influence future procurement cycles throughout Latin America.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.