Colombia’s defense ministry is going local with “Dragom,” the country’s first military drone developed and built on home soil.
Designed by the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC), the drone can support both reconnaissance and precision-strike missions. It made its public debut at the F-AIR Aeronautical Fair in Rionegro, northern Colombia.
Dragom can fly on its own for 90 minutes and comes equipped with high-resolution cameras, integrated launch software, and secure satellite navigation.
According to CIAC, the drone can lift objects up to 10 kilograms (22.05 pounds). It also supports manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes, giving it flexibility across different terrains.
A defense ministry official said the platform will “enhance our ability to conduct surveillance, command and control, logistical support, and protection of critical infrastructure.”
Streamlining Tactical Logistics
Beyond reconnaissance, Dragom is expected to take on broader field roles with lower operational costs.
The Colombian military is reportedly eyeing the drone for supply runs and equipment drops to troops in hard-to-reach areas.
Officials believe the aerial asset will improve budget efficiency while boosting Colombia’s defense autonomy, as the country continues to address a rising security crisis.
Test flights are slated to begin in the coming weeks, with early deployments planned in regions prone to guerilla and paramilitary activity.
