The Ministry of Defense officially presented Dragom, The first drone designed and manufactured in Colombiawhose objective is to strengthen security and defense operations in different regions of the national territory.
The unmanned aircraft was developed by the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC SA) And he became known in Valledupar, Cesar, in an event headed by the Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, and the Commander of the Air Force, Luis Carlos Córdoba.
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As reported by the portfolio, the initiative arises in response to the increase in the use of drones by armed groups for the execution of attacks against the public force and the civilian population. “We present Dragom, the first drone developed in the country, at the service of security, defense and national interest, which can be marketed in the private sector”Said Minister Sánchez during the flight demonstration.
The aircraft has an autonomy of 75 minutes and can transport up to six kilograms, which allows it to fulfill surveillance, patrol and transportation of supplies in difficult access areas. According to the Ministry of Defense, Its commercial price will range between $ 120 million and $ 145 million, with a cost up to 20% lower than that of similar equipment available in the international market.
The development of Dragom required the participation of engineers, technicians, designers, pilots and Colombian researchers, who conducted tests and studies to guarantee their effectiveness in different environments. The drone is designed to operate in jungles, mountains and plains, scenarios where threats of organized armed groups persist.
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Its commercial price will be between 120 and 145 million pesos, up to 20% cheaper than similar equipment.
Courtesy
As for its capabilities, Dragom can be operated in manual, semi -autonomous modes. Includes integrated launch software, satellite navigation, automatic takeoff and landing, double encrypted communication channel and remote control with touch screen. Besides, It has a double high -definition chamber that transmits real -time tactical information, optimizing precision in surveillance and recognition missions.
The operations planned for this device include tactical support to the armed forces, border surveillance, coast patrol, monitoring of jungle and plain areas, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure. Its use is also contemplated for the transport of inputs in remote areas, in order to strengthen logistics in strategic regions.
Minister Sánchez stressed that the project is part of a defense policy oriented to technological autonomy. “It is more than an unmanned aircraft, it is the result of an intelligent defense policy that articulates technological autonomy that responds to the challenges in jungle, mountain and plain, where threats against our nation are fought today. We will better protect our men and women. This is a tool thought by and for Colombia, to protect our sovereignty. Dragom arrives to stay”He said.
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It was developed by the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) with 100% national talent.
Courtesy
The aircraft was first presented to the public during the F-Air 2025 Aeronautical Fair, where it was highlighted that its incorporation will reduce operating costs and improve budget efficiency in the defense sector. With this initiative, The government seeks not only to optimize response capacities against internal threatsbut also to position Colombia as a regional reference in the development of military technology.
The Ministry of Defense indicated that the national manufacture of this type of equipment represents a strategic advance to reduce the dependence of external suppliers and strengthen the local aeronautical industry. In addition, He stressed that Dragom’s implementation is part of a comprehensive strategy of modernization of the Armed Forceswith the purpose of increasing the surveillance and protection capacity of the population and the essential infrastructure of the country.
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Diana K. Rodríguez T.
Portfolio journalist
