Israeli 'Kfir' warplane crashes in Colombia

An Israeli warplane purchased by the Colombian Army crashed on Monday near the city of Cartagena. The Israeli pilots operating the machine were unharmed in the incident, but the plane itself was destroyed.

The pilots were employed by Israel Aerospace Industries, dispatched to Colombia as part of a deal with the South American country's air force.

As part of the deal, Israel gave Colombia a number of advanced Kfir war planes at a value of $150 million.

Israel Aerospace Industries said in a statement that the plane was flying a refresher flight, and that the aircraft didn't come to a stop on the landing strip, landing outside it.

The director of the Israel Aerospace Industries announced that an investigation into the incident had already begun and that a probe panel had been appointed.

The Kfir, developed in Israel, is a modification of the French Mirage, which was first manufactured in Israel after the French imposed an embargo on Israel in 1967. At first, the aircraft were named Nesher, but after the engine was upgraded to an American one, it was decided to change the aircraft's name to Kfir.

The aircraft was retired from Israeli military use in the 80s.

	An Israeli warplane that crashed in Colombia on Monday.
	Photo by: (Reuters)