The Colombian Air Force has successfully completed a multinational personnel airdrop mission using a Casa 295 transport aircraft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, US.

The mission was carried out in collaboration with the US Air Force (USAF) during Mobility Guardian exercise.

French and Pakistani airforce personnel also participated in the mission, which was conducted on 6 August.

Colombian Air Force mission planner major Jesus Cortes said: “The US planning cell provided us with a lot of information, like the route and mission.

“We also gathered information for an international jump and were able to brief our crews to accomplish the mission.”

The airdrop mission saw 19 multinational service members from Colombia, France and Pakistan jumped out of the Casa 295 into the drop zone situated in Larson, Washington.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Two meetings were held to facilitate effective communication and provide time for jumpers to prepare their gear prior to the exercise.

The US Air Mobility Command-led Mobility Guardian exercise seeks to improve the capabilities of mobility airmen by preparing them to succeed in dynamic threat environments, while strengthening partnerships, discovery, learning and improving together as an integrated team, the USAF stated.

"The airdrop mission saw 19 multinational service members from Colombia, France and Pakistan jumped out of the Casa 295 into the drop zone situated in Larson, Washington."

USAF 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) strategic plans and programmes deputy director lieutenant colonel Daniel Mangan said:  “This exercise demonstrates the success of years of partnership between the US and Colombia.

“Their performance was absolutely superb, especially considering the fact that they planned, led, and executed a multinational jump.

"This is positive proof that Colombia is a security exporter and a first-rate strategic partner for the US.”

The Colombian Air Force is currently focused on increasing its participation in the global defence community by projecting its capabilities through allied interoperability and joint operations.


Image: Colombian Air Force members suit-up for a multinational personnel airdrop from a Casa 295 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of the US Air Force by staff sgt. Angela Ruiz.