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Chilean Air Force F-16 southern training exercise

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2026-10-11 12:27 UTC → 2026-10-23 10:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Chilean Air Force (FACh) initiated a 20-day operational training exercise in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region on September 21. The deployment involves five F-16C/D Block 50 fighter jets from Aviation Group No. 3, based in Iquique, operating out of Chabunco Air Base in Punta Arenas. To complete the long-distance transit from northern Chile, the F-16s utilized mid-air refueling provided by a KC-135 tanker from Aviation Group No. 10. The mission, expected to conclude around October 10, focuses on preparing crews for the region’s complex weather and diverse geography through flyovers in areas such as the Strait of Magellan, Porvenir, Puerto Williams, and the Beagle Channel. The exercise also includes interoperability drills with F-5E Tigre III aircraft operated by Aviation Group No. 12. To maintain effective control over the strategic interoceanic connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, FACh has expanded the deployment to include nighttime operations. These missions utilize F-16 Block 50 fighters, F-5E Tigre III aircraft, and KC-135 Stratotanker refueling planes. The KC-135 tankers act as force multipliers, enabling prolonged combat air patrols (CAP) and extended operational reach toward southern latitudes. Throughout the exercise, FACh hosted military and police authorities at Chabunco Air Base to demonstrate the F-16 Block 50’s multirole capabilities, including air defense, surveillance, interception, and surface attack. These demonstrations also covered maintenance procedures and the integration of air operations centers to test pilot, logistics, and unit operability.

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