Colombian Navy

The Colombian navy (officially named "Armada de la República de Colombia" and sometimes called ARC) is the branch of the Colombian Defense Forces dedicated to the exercice of naval warfare. The main objectives and tasks of the ARC, as found in the Colombian constitution, include:

the defence of Colombian interests both within and out of national boundaries
the protection of Colombian cargo worldwide
the assurance of the Colombian Constitution and Ethics within the country's borders
the protection of the leaders of the nation, as well as their families
the protection of the Colombian EEZ, as well as the maritime borders of Colombia and the sovereignty of the nation as a whole

Assets

The Colombian Navy is one of the largest navies in the world by number of ships, having more than 800 ships and boats, from which at least 400 can be considered Combat ships (term). Other assets include more than 200 aircraft, of which at least 150 are attack aircraft, as well as multiple research and cargo ships.

History

After independence, the Colombian government quickly realized that only by having a military comparable to that of some European countries would Colombia be taken seriously on the global scale. Being the first-ever country to be recognized as independent from its former master, it was decisive for Colombia to start making up a reputation as a "real" and stable country instead of a failed attempt of a revolution. The Colombian navy was first mentioned in an official paper in 1756, on letters from Francisco de Miranda to some European leaders, reason why it is taken as the date of its foundation. However, the navy as an official organisation wouldn't be founded until 1764, when it would be mentioned in the first constitution of Colombia. After independence and until the dawn of the 19th century, the navy grew from just a couple original brigantines to a couple dozen ships, and it would prove crucial during the numerous American wars that followed the continent's independence. By the European Wars, the navy adopted a more fancy and formal format, becoming a well-respected force amongst European powers and eventually becoming a turning point in World War One that would prove decisive towards victory in the Americas. The navy would see a massive budget increase during WW1 and the interwar period, becoming one of the top 5 navies in the world by the dawn of WW2. By the 20th century, the Colombian navy was on of the biggest navies in the world by number of active Combat ships (term), constantly disputing first place with the German navy and the British navy. It is also considered as one of the most elite military forces in the globe and in Colombia, being second only to the Colombian Special forces.

Credits: Top image: Sao Paulo aircraft carrier, Brazilian navy - Wikipedia commons, modified by Colombus.

Top image: ARC Santander - flagship of the Colombian Navy

Type

Navy

Overall training Level

Professional

Used by