Argentina and Chile launch joint Antarctic and Magallanes military operations

Argentina and Chile have launched joint military and rescue operations in the Antarctic and Magallanes regions. The Argentine-Chilean Combined Antarctic Search and Rescue Patrol (PARACACH 2026) has officially commenced operations at the O'Higgins Antarctic Base. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance emergency response capabilities in extreme environments.

Simultaneously, Chile is conducting the Jaukén 2026 exercise in the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica. This large-scale deployment involves approximately 3,000 Army personnel alongside Navy assets, including ships, submarines, naval aviation, and special forces. The exercise tests operational readiness under harsh Patagonian conditions, including low temperatures and high winds, and includes strategic force projection through the transport of infantry and artillery units to the southern tip of the country.