©Comandante General de las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia
Interview with Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados, Commander General of the Colombian Armed Forces
Threats, challenges and capacity building in the armed forces
With the fourth highest per capita homicide rate in Latin America (behind Haiti, Ecuador, and Venezuela), Colombia faces significant security and defense challenges. These include drug trafficking, organized armed groups, transnational crime, and cyber threats. The Amazon region is emerging as a hotspot at the heart of these security issues. “Security in the Amazon is a strategic challenge due to the region’s sheer size, remoteness, and the existence of corridors used for drug trafficking, illegal mining, and other cross-border criminal activities. To counter these threats, the military has deployed the Amazon Air Group, the Amazon Naval Force, and ground units to key locations. These units seek not only to secure control of the territory, but also to protect the environment and indigenous communities that have been impacted by illegal operators. Despite these efforts, challenges still remain, among which the need for more surveillance technology, better communications systems, and stronger intelligence. Thanks to international cooperation with neighboring countries, progress is being made in joint border surveillance and the fight against cross-border crime, but the state’s presence needs to be reinforced with infrastructure and capabilities that provide for a more effective response in this strategic area,” emphasizes Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados, Commander General of the Colombian Armed Forces. Disinformation is another major risk that the armed forces are required to address. “The Colombian armed forces have built up their capacity to deal with disinformation and manipulation campaigns, conscious of the impact these can have on national stability and perceptions of security. More timely institutional communication strategies have been implemented to build public trust by providing accurate information. Inter-institutional cooperation and work with international organizations have improved capabilities and helped swiftly identify any digital threats. However, this fight against disinformation continues to be a fluid challenge that requires that we constantly update technological solutions, increase coordination with the private sector, and train specialist personnel in managing digital environment information crises,” adds the admiral. To this end, the country has created “the Joint Cyber Command, which spearheads cyber protection and digital safety strategies. However, there are still challenges ahead in terms of consolidating capabilities, investing in advanced technologies, and developing a robust doctrinal framework to respond effectively to large-scale cyber incidents. Although several initiatives to strengthen digital resilience have been implemented, the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the need for greater coordination between agencies remain priority challenges. Consolidating a comprehensive cyber defense strategy will be essential to guaranteeing digital sovereignty and national security in an increasingly interconnected environment,” concludes Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados.
To address these various threats, it is essential to modernize military equipment. “As part of the Integrated National Defense System (SIDEN), plans have been made to acquire new capabilities, surveillance equipment, and advanced technologies to improve the operational capabilities of the Colombian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The budget is conditional on government decisions and available funding, with priority given to resource efficiency and optimization so as to maximize the impact on security and defense,” he notes. With nearly 4% of GDP devoted to defense, Colombia spends more GDP on its military budget than any other South American country.
Artificial intelligence: a gamechanger for the forces?
“Incorporating artificial intelligence into security and defense is a strategic challenge that calls for adaptability and control so that benefits can be maximized without compromising operational safety. While there is no denying its potential to process large volumes of data and improve decision-making, its implementation faces significant challenges, such as vulnerability to cyberattacks, algorithm reliability, and technological dependence,” states Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados, before adding: “It also raises ethical and legal issues regarding the use of autonomous systems on the battlefield. In addition, there is a critical need for effective human oversight and clear regulations to avoid risks associated with AI decisions made without proper situational awareness. Successfully integrating this technology will depend on investment in training, inter-agency cooperation, and constantly updating safety protocols to harness its potential without neglecting the risks that come with its rapid evolution.”
Cooperation: a natural reflex
Whether in the fight against terrorism, maritime security, military training, intelligence, or the modernization of armed forces, Colombia cooperates with a wide range of partners. “We engage in special cooperation with countries and international organizations in the fight against cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking and other crimes at sea and on land, such as arms trafficking, migrant smuggling, contraband, money laundering, illegal fishing, and illegal mining, as part of Operation Orion carried out by the Colombian Navy,” says Admiral Cubides Granados. “Colombia attaches great importance to its strategic relations with international allies that contribute to strengthening its security and defense capabilities. In this regard, France has established itself as a key partner with whom Colombia has historical ties and shares the same vision of the importance of regional stability and the fight against global threats. Our cooperation in military education, cybersecurity, intelligence, and special operations provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and implement best practices to more effectively address emerging challenges. Significant maritime operations are conducted with the French Navy in the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking.” Colombia became a global partner of NATO in 2017: a status that enables it to engage in heightened cooperation with the Alliance. “Cooperation with NATO focuses on interoperability, combating transnational threats and cybersecurity. For 2025-2026, initiatives are planned in the areas of security, modernization and the fight against terrorism and corruption,” he continues.
Climate action and civilian security: two visible priorities
In 2024, Colombia was hit by a series of major natural disasters, among which forest fires, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. “The Office of the President has put forward strategies to integrate projects aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change in our country. In line with the national government’s strategic objectives, the Colombian armed forces play an important and leading role, acknowledging the enormous impact of climate change on national security. That is why each of its institutions promotes campaigns, adopts strategies, incorporates technologies that support the response and, finally, through inter-institutional coordination, responds to the various threats and emergencies arising from natural disasters,” recalls Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados. The armed forces have a fundamental role to play in crisis management. “They mobilize quickly in the event of natural disasters, providing logistical support, medical assistance, and infrastructure reconstruction to help the civilian population in critical moments. We are committed to protecting civilians and the most vulnerable communities. That is why we provide each of the forces’ unique capabilities. A clear example is the Army, through units such as the Disaster Prevention and Response Engineering Brigade and its two Disaster Prevention and Response Engineering Battalions, which have trained, prepared, and competent personnel, along with various tools, equipment, and accessories that help these rescuers deploy all their capabilities throughout the country, carrying out humanitarian assistance operations, managing crises caused by natural disasters, and conducting search and rescue operations for victims. These units act quickly and can be mobilized by air, land, river, and/or sea with all their equipment,” concludes the Commander General of the Colombian Armed Forces.