The Colombian and Honduran Air Forces are successfully carrying out the Honcol-1 interdiction exercise, with the objective of combating situations and activities derived from illegal narcotics trafficking by air and sea
The Colombian and Honduran Air Forces are successfully carrying out the Honcol-1 interdiction exercise, with the objective of combating situations and activities derived from illegal narcotics trafficking by air and sea.
In 2010, the combined forces of the two countries succeeded in detecting, destroying, and immobilizing at least 15 aircraft, and 8 so far this year. For this reason, and with the aim of invigorating both their air and maritime interdiction systems, simulations of real air operations are being conducted during the current exercise.
Colombia is participating with the Caribbean Air Group, deploying two OV-10 Bronco planes on the island of San Andrés, while the Honduran aircraft will be deployed from Soto Cano Base in Comayagua.
The Honduran aircraft will simulate illegal flights, while the Colombians will try to locate, intercept, and force them to land, immobilizing them. This last action will include the participation of the Colombian police, through the Air Special Forces Group (ACOEA) and the judicial technical police.
The exercise will also have the objective of increasing both forces’ capabilities to combat terrorism and illegal arms and ammunition trafficking in the Caribbean, taking advantage of the two countries’ infrastructure and experience for that purpose.
Honcol-1 will be conducted in observance of existing air-safety regulations, in order to ensure not only the fulfillment of the planned objectives, but also normal commercial and civilian air traffic.
The agreement governing the exercise was signed at the beginning of July by the Air Force commanders of Colombia, Gen. Julio González Ruiz, and Honduras, Col. Ruis Landa Dubón, during the Fifth Aeronautical Fair recently held in Colombia.