Colombian cartels send recruits to Ukraine to master killer drones

Colombian criminal organizations are reportedly sending recruits to Ukraine to acquire advanced drone warfare skills, which they then intend to use against Colombia's military. Ukrainian defense officials have identified and repatriated some individuals with cartel links. This development is part of a broader trend where drones are transforming Colombia's internal conflict, with illegal armed groups conducting 264 drone attacks in 2024 and 2025, resulting in 15 soldier deaths and 153 injuries. Outgoing Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated, "The drone industry has exploded, and criminals have adapted the technology for attacks," posing a significant challenge to air superiority.

• Cartels are specifically seeking expertise in assembling and operating first-person-view (FPV) drones, which are difficult to intercept due to their speed and maneuverability.
• Armed groups are also attempting to obtain fiber-optic cable-controlled drones, which are resistant to electronic jamming.
• Colombia plans to establish a $1.6 billion "counter-drone shield" to combat this threat, but experts warn that preventing the transfer of battlefield knowledge from returning fighters is crucial.
• The involvement of Colombians in the Ukraine war has been controversial, with President Gustavo Petro calling them "cannon fodder" and raising military salaries to reduce financial incentives for joining foreign armies.