Colombia will receive three MQ-9A Reaper drones on loan from the US and plans to buy a fourth with its own funds, marking the first armed long-endurance drone capability in the region.

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Colombia will receive three MQ-9A Reaper drones on loan from the US and plans to buy a fourth with its own funds, marking the first armed long-endurance drone capability in the region. The deal follows Colombia joining the US-led Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition as its 19th member under new President de la Espriella, who has sharply reversed predecessor Petro's defense policies. Colombia offered to host the coalition's coordination center.