Chilean Air Force F-16s deploy to Punta Arenas for training

The Chilean Air Force (FACh) has deployed a formation of F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 50 combat aircraft to Punta Arenas for a 20-day operational training exercise in the Magallanes Region.

The aircraft, belonging to Aviation Group No. 3 based at Los Cóndores Air Base in Iquique, arrived in the southern region following a direct flight from northern Chile. To complete the long-distance transit, the F-16s utilized mid-air refueling provided by a KC-135 tanker from Aviation Group No. 10.

This annual instruction program aims to prepare crews for diverse geographical and meteorological scenarios, specifically focusing on the adverse weather conditions characteristic of Chile's southern extreme. During the deployment, the aircraft will conduct flyovers in Punta Arenas, the Strait of Magellan, Porvenir, and other regional locations. The exercise also includes interoperability drills with F-5 Tigre III aircraft operated by Aviation Group No. 12 at Chabunco Air Base.