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Colombia Hercules crash aftermath: political clash over causes intensifies days after tragedy

Petro has insisted that the aircraft, donated by the United States in 2020, was “junk” and that its age was a determining factor in the accident

The Hercules C-130 crash in Putumayo, which killed 70 people on March 23, has escalated into an open political confrontation between President Gustavo Petro, the military leadership, and the opposition over the causes of the disaster and the state of the country’s defense capabilities, against the backdrop of presidential elections scheduled for May 31.

Petro has insisted that the aircraft, donated by the United States in 2020, was “junk” and that its age was a determining factor in the accident. “An army cannot defend its people with junk gifts. What doesn’t serve them, they give away — and the gift ends up costing more than buying it new,” the president stated, directing his criticism at former President Iván Duque, under whose administration the aircraft was acquired. After hearing the Air Force’s arguments, Petro declared on Wednesday that he disagrees with their explanations and concluded that “the probability of the aircraft’s age” being the cause is increasing. He also announced he would request a list of officers and officials responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of the plane.

FAC commander General Carlos Fernando Silva defended the aircraft’s condition. As he told El Tiempo, the plane was manufactured in 1983 and had over 20,000 hours of useful life remaining when acquired. It underwent a major depot-level inspection (PDM) costing $3 million and, with proper maintenance, could have operated “for up to 40 more years.” Silva maintained the aircraft was airworthy and the crew fully qualified.

Meanwhile, the investigation advanced with the recovery of the flight recorder on Wednesday, March 25. According to Blu Radio, early findings suggest the pilot attempted to dump fuel moments before impact. The main hypotheses center on a possible engine failure during the initial climb, potential overloading, and operational factors. The mayor of Puerto Leguízamo, Luis Emilio Bustos, noted that excess weight is a relevant line of inquiry, considering the C-130 carried over 114 passengers, two pickup trucks, and some 15,380 pounds of military ordnance.

From the opposition, Duque accused Petro of politicizing the tragedy. “Stop being so despicable and making politics out of tragedies. Instead, conduct an investigation that includes the aircraft’s weight at takeoff and the runway size,” he responded. Duque defended military cooperation with Washington and noted that C-130s operate in more than 50 countries. Former Defense Minister Diego Molano also rejected the “junk” label and stated on Blu Radio that the aircraft were delivered under international standards as part of a cooperation program with the United States.

Retired General Guillermo León, former head of the Association of Retired Military Officers, called for caution and warned that an accident of this nature rarely has a single cause. “Unfortunately, given the times we’re in, a lot of noise is generated and objectivity is lost,” he noted.

The clash of narratives comes just over two months before presidential elections, adding an electoral dimension to the debate over defense and military modernization in Colombia.

Royal Navy leads NATO maritime force from German flagship; HMS Dragon in Cyprus

FGS Sachsen, the German Navy’s flagship, from where Royal Navy will command the NATO maritime task force.

HMS Dragon was due to lead Nato’s Standing Maritime Group 1, but was redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect British forces in Cyprus.

Royal Navy personnel will command one of Nato’s maritime immediate response forces from the German flagship as HMS Dragon is no longer available to lead the force, BFBS Forces News understands.

The Type 45 destroyer was originally due to take up the role of leading Nato’s Standing Maritime Group 1, but was redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect British forces in Cyprus.

The move was branded a “bailout” and a sign the Royal Navy has “run out of ships” by the Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, but BFBS Forces News understands it is not uncommon for the group to be commanded from an allied warship.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “Our commitment to Nato remains unwavering, and the UK will fulfil its leadership role in SNMG1 as planned, with a Royal Navy Commodore assuming command next month.”

A Royal Navy-led battle staff will embark on FGS Sachsen, the German Navy’s flagship, to command the maritime task force.

The German Embassy in London described the move as “an expression of the close German-British partnership”.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said: “HMS Dragon was rapidly brought to readiness and deployed from Portsmouth earlier this month and will now play her full part in defending Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.

“Equipped with the cutting-edge Sea Viper system, she can tackle a wide range of threats. On her way to the region, her crew have undertaken essential training to ready themselves for this mission, and I have every confidence that they will rise to the task before them.

“In uncertain times, her presence is a visible demonstration of the Royal Navy’s commitment to protecting our people and our interests, at home and overseas.”