A400M Gains Momentum as a Potential Choice for the Chilean Air Force

The Airbus A400M Atlas is increasingly being positioned as a strong candidate to replace the aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet of the Chilean Air Force. While no formal procurement process has been launched, recent developments suggest that the European airlifter is gaining visibility in Santiago.

A key moment came during FIDAE 2026, where an aircraft from the Spanish Air and Space Force was deployed as part of the event. Such presence is rarely incidental. In export campaigns, live demonstrations play a central role in showcasing operational capability to potential customers.

Chile faces a familiar challenge. Its C-130H fleet, partly acquired second-hand, is aging and increasingly difficult to sustain. Some airframes are approaching or exceeding five decades of service, creating pressure to identify a modern replacement capable of maintaining reliable airlift capacity across the country’s vast and demanding geography.

In this context, the A400M offers a compelling profile. It combines tactical and strategic transport capabilities, with higher payload, longer range and greater speed than legacy platforms. Its ability to operate from semi-prepared runways and in extreme climates aligns well with Chile’s operational requirements, including long-distance deployments and Antarctic support missions.

Spain’s role is also relevant. As one of the main operators of the A400M, the Spanish Air and Space Force provides a practical example of the aircraft in service within a NATO framework. The presence of a Spanish aircraft in Chile highlights not only operational maturity, but also Europe’s broader effort to promote the platform in international markets.

However, the path to a decision remains open. The A400M faces strong competition from platforms such as the Embraer C-390 Millennium and the latest variants of the Hercules. Cost, fleet size and long-term sustainment will all weigh heavily in any future Chilean decision.

For now, there is no official confirmation of a procurement program. But the signals are clear. Airbus is actively campaigning, Chile has a growing need, and the A400M is positioning itself as a serious option.

Chilean Air Force to Modernize 36 F-16 Fighters

Chile is set to enhance 36 operational F-16 fighter jets in a deal stamped with Lockheed Martin, through a $177 million contract, as disclosed by the Pentagon. The agreement, announced on October 31, involves the modification of F-16AM/BM Block 15/20 MLU aircraft to the M6.6 standard. As stated by a spokesperson from Lockheed, the program aims to deliver advanced identification friend or foe capability and integrate the Link 16 tactical communications system.

The upgrade process is scheduled to occur in Fort Worth, Texas, and Greenville, South Carolina, along with Chilean Air Force maintenance workshops in Santiago and Antofagasta, according to information from both the Pentagon and Chilean military sources. Lockheed is expected to complete the project by November 30, 2032. The upgraded F-16s are anticipated to remain operational until the early 2040s, signifying the potential initiation of additional expenditures and agreements.

Initial plans included the installation of active electronically scanned array radars, but this has changed due to the current analogue radars being supplemented by real-time situational and targeting data from E-3D Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, acquired from the U.K. in 2022.

The Chilean Air Force had sought funding for the F-16 upgrade program in 2019, with the U.S. State Department concurrently working on export authorization for associated systems and parts to Chile. However, the Chilean government declined the funding for technical and financial reasons, opting to instruct the service to request funds in the 2021 national budget. Although related sales were approved by the State Department in 2020, the Chilean government postponed the project amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Chile initially ordered 36 F-16 MLU jets from the Netherlands in two separate batches of 18 each in 2005 and 2009. The last aircraft were delivered in 2011, and while all jets are operational, two airframes are utilized for training technicians and ground crews.

CASA C-101 Aviojet retired from Chilean Air Force service

The Chilean Air Force (FACh) held on Tuesday at Los Cóndores Air Force Base in Iquique, the ceremony that marked the deactivation of the A-36 Toqui training jets (local designation for the CASA C-101 Aviojet), after 39 years acting in the training of Chilean combat pilots. In all, FACh operated 35 advanced trainer aircraft.

According to the FACh, the A-36s totaled more than 40,000 flight hours in the country and trained more than 260 F-5 and F-16 fighter pilots.

An A-36 will be transferred to the Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio, in the capital Santiago, and another example will become a monument at the base of Grupo de Aviación Nº1, in Iquique.

Over nearly four decades, FACh operated 35 aircraft, including units that were assembled in the country by the local manufacturer ENAER in partnership with CASA (current member of the Airbus group), from Spain.

With the retirement of the A-36, the role in Chile will be performed by the Embraer A-29B Super Tucano turboprops, a plane that has been in service in the country since 2009.

Designed by CASA in the 1970s, the C-101 Aviojet was for many years the main advanced trainer aircraft of the Spanish Air Force, which operated more than 80 single-engine jets between 1980 and 2020 – currently, only half of them would be active.

Other customers for the aircraft, of which 166 units were built, were the armed forces of Honduras and Jordan, as well as the FACh.

In 2020, Airbus presented the first details of the AFJT (Airbus Future Jet Trainer) program, which is conducted by the CASA division in order to precisely design a replacement for the Aviojet.

airdatanews 

Chilean Air Force confirms delivery timeline for Black Hawk helos

Chilean Air Force(FACh) has confirmed the service is to receive all of its recently ordered Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters by the end of this year.
The first three of six S-70i helicopters ordered in December 2016 will be delivered to Chile in August, with the remaining three following in October.
After several years of searching and studying, the FACh selected the Polish-built S-70i so as to receive the aircraft as soon as possible. Since the air force has fielded a single S-70A since 1998, it has some experience of the type.
The FACh’s S-70i Black Hawks have been built to the US Army’s UH-60M standard, and will be especially useful for high-altitude operations. Once in service, they are being used to augment the service’s existing S-70A, Bell 412EP/SP, UH-1H, and Bell 206 JetRanger III helicopter fleet.
janes

Chile signs for Black Hawk helos

Chile has signed for six Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to be delivered in 2018.
The contract signing followed a type selection made by the Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aérea de Chile: FACh) in September, in which the Black Hawk beat off competition from Leonardo Helicopters, Airbus Helicopters, Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), and Rosoboronexport, which had offered the AW149, H215, Surion, and Mi-17 'Hip' respectively.
The S-70i (international) helicopters are to be built by Sikorsky's subsidiary, PZL Mielec, in Poland. Improvements made on the S-70i over the baseline Black Hawk include a fully integrated digital glass cockpit featuring colour 6x8-inch (15x20 cm) multifunction display (MFD) units and a dual digital automatic flight-control system (AFCS). It also features a digital map and more powerful General Electric T700-GE-701D engines (but with T700-GE-701C control systems).
Once delivered, they will augment the one S-70 that the FACh received in 1998 as well as its remaining rotary fleet of mainly Bell 412 and UH-1H platforms. While the current plan is to procure just six aircraft, Sikorsky has previously told that there is the potential for more to be bought at a later date.
janes

Chile takes delivery of first of two stop-gap C-130s

The Chilean Air Force (FACh) took delivery of a Lockheed Martin KC-130R Hercules in mid-April.
The KC-130R is a former USMC aircraft offered by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency as an Excess Defense Article (EDA) in September 2012 at the symbolic price of USD700,000.
A second KC-130R was offered in August 2013 and is also expected to be delivered in 2015. When both KC-130Rs are delivered they will increase Group No 10's active fleet to five, since there are currently two C-130Hs and one C-130B in service.
The FACh has sought to augment its currently depleted C-130 Hercules fleet as a stop-gap measure since procurement of a new medium transport aircraft has been shelved for some years.
janes

Chile close to Stamp Deal for C-27J and M-345

Chile looks set to sign a contract with Italy for the procurement of the C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and the M-345 trainer.
Chile's Defence Minister signed an agreement with his Italian counterpart for collaboration between the Chilean Enaer and Alenia Aermacchi across a range of projects that include cooperation on the two Alenia aircraft types.
According to Alenia Aermacchi, one of the issues discussed and agreed was for support of both the C-27J and M-345, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) being signed.
However, as Chile does not currently operate either of these types it can be assumed that a procurement deal looks set to be struck at some point in the not-too-distant future.
janes

Uruguay eyes Chilean F-5Es again

The Uruguayan Air Force is again interested in buying a number of Chilean F-5E Tiger II fighters to fill a gap in high performance combat aircraft.
The only combat aircraft currently operated by Uruguay are small, subsonic Cessna A-37B Dragonfly ground attack platforms, and more capable aircraft are needed to support guard national airspace.
An attempt in 2009 to buy the Chilean aircraft failed due to a lack of funding.
The idea is to buy a batch of between four and six single-seat F-5Es; the Uruguayan Air Force would like to procure more of the aircraft but cannot because of funding limitations.
janes

Chile abandons plan to buy advanced jet trainer

The Chilean air force has scrapped a planned buy of advanced jet trainers according to sources in Latin America.
The Ministry of Defence in Santiago informed interested companies last month that it was shelving the scheme to replace its aged fleet of Spanish-built A/T 36 jets for budget reasons.
Alenia Aermacchi’s M346, the BAE Systems Hawk and Korean Aerospace with the T-50 are thought to have been the prime candidates for a procurement which was still in its early stages.
A source at Alenia Aermacchi said the company had received informal notification
Around a dozen aircraft were expected to be purchased to replace T36’s which are increasing difficult to maintain and fail to provide the quality of training required to match the Lockheed Martin F-16 fast jet fleet.
One analyst here said the decision to shelve the buy have taken been taken to allow the air force to focus funds on the F-16. A delay might also allow the Chileans to see what the U.S. does in its jet training competition.

defensenews

Chile shopping for light attack helicopters

Chile is looking at the Eurocopter EC 635, the Bell 407 AH and the Boeing AH-6i as candidates for its light attack helicopter contest.

istockanalyst

Chilean Air Force Tests an Upgraded EW System for the F-16

ITT Exelis completed a successful demonstration of the new block upgrade of its Advanced Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS), under a cooperative effort between the Chilean Air Force, U.S. Air Force, and Exelis. This flight effort culminates a year of planning and coordination by FACh and U.S. personnel, as well as extensive laboratory and flight-testing in the U.S. At the conclusion of flight operations, FACh officials expressed confidence in AIDEWS as a “critical operational asset.” The updated Block 5.2 configuration supports the upcoming delivery of combat capable electronic warfare mission data to five countries with AIDEWS equipped F-16s. Among the air forces using the AIDEWS with their F-16s are Turkish, Pakistani, Omani and Chilean air forces.
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¿Está la Fuerza Aérea Chilena preparada para una guerra futura?/ Chilean Air Force: Ready for tomorrow’s wars?

Desde finales de los noventa la Fuerza Aérea Chilena ha venido entrenándose para operaciones militares a gran escala, copiando la doctrina de la USAF, que no son de mucha aplicación en Sudamérica.
Si Chile entrara en guerra con un país vecino, las operaciones de combate durarían unos 10-14 días, ya que los aviones enemigos y las bases aéreas enemigas serían derribados y bombardeados facilmente, pero tras esta labor la FACH no se encuentra preparada para una guerra de guerrillas o irregular.
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Since the beginning of the Chilean Air Force (FACH) modernization process -- in the late 1990’s -- the use of Chilean air power has been guided in the context of large-scale major combat operations. In that type of fight, the current Chilean doctrine (a copy almost word by word of the U.S. Air Force doctrine) does an exceptional job of defining “traditional” roles that unfortunately do not necessarily apply to the current realities of South America.
For instance, and if Chile goes to war against one or more of its neighbors traditional air–to-air combat operations will probably last between 10 to 14 days. Two weeks… that’s all. After hunting down every single jet fighter (if any) and bombing every operational enemy runway the Chilean Air Force (FACH) will then realize that the current force design was not well suited for dealing with the new kind of Irregular Warfare (IW) in which modern air forces find themselves today.
As soon as the FACH realizes that there are no more integrated air defenses to penetrate, that there is no air threat to counter, and no traditional strategic targets left for air power to destroy… Chilean Air Force Generals will be then tasked to quickly adapt by giving the best possible support to ground-combat elements. With their armies destroyed and their tanks and bases in flames their enemies will quickly throw away their uniforms -- hide among the population -- and quickly attempt to take control of certain strategic choke points in the Andes Mountains. As soon as the first guerrilla attacks start killing hundreds of Chilean soldiers the FACH will be then required to counter asymmetric, irregular and hybrid threats for the rest of the campaign. So, and if that’s the most likely scenario for the FACH then the new operational environment begs the question: But to provide Close Air Support (CAS) with what?.
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Israel intenta vender aeronaves no tripuladas a Chile/ Israeli firms pursue Chilean UAV requirement

Los tres mayores fabricantes de aeronaves no tripuladas (UAV) de Israel han remitido ofertas a la Fuerza Aérea Chilena para cumplir con sus requerimientos.
Dos Aerostar UAV fueron utilizados en las labores de recuperación del terremoto sufrido a principios de 2010.
Aeronautics ofrece el Aerostar C, Elbit Systems el Hermes 450 y el Hermes 900. Israel Aerospace Industries ofrece el Heron.
Chile ya adquirió de IAI Elta en 1993 un Boeing 707 Condor de vigilancia equipado con radar Phalcon de alerta temprana.
Oficiales chilenos ya han visitado a los tres fabricantes para examinar los modelos.
flightglobal
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Israel's three major manufacturers of unmanned air vehicles have each submitted proposals in a bid to meet the future requirements of the Chilean air force.
Two UAV Aerostar UAVs were flown by Israeli crews in Chile last March over areas recovering from an earthquake. The nation's air force then asked several manufacturers to submit proposals for operational systems.
Among the Israeli bidders, Aeronautics is offering its Aerostar C, while sources suggest that Elbit Systems is promoting its Hermes 450 and may also offer its larger Hermes 900 design. Israel Aerospace Industries is also pitching its Heron system.
Chile in 1993 acquired one Boeing 707 Condor surveillance aircraft equipped with a Phalcon airborne early warning radar supplied by IAI's Elta Systems subsidiary.
Officials from the nation's air force have recently visited the three Israeli companies vying for its potential UAV order and received briefings about their respective designs.
flightglobal

CHILE APRUEBA LA ADQUSICION DE SISTEMA ANTIAÉREO NORUEGO NASAMS

El gobierno ha aprobado la adquisición por parte de la Fuerza Aérea Chilena (FACh) de un sistema de defensa antiáereo para Chile de alcance medio a Noruega y Estados Unidos. La FACH finalmente seleccionó al Norwegian Advanced Sam System (NASAMS), ofrecido en alianza por el fabricante noruego Kongsberg y la estadounidense Raytheon.
Se realizará un primer pedido por tres baterías NASAMS por un valor cercano a los 100 millones de dólares.
El NASAMS combina un sistema de dirección y control de tiro, desarrollado por la firma noruega Kongsberg, con la variante superficie-aire SL-AMRAAM del misil de alcance medio AIM-120 AMRAAM del fabricante estadounidense Raytheon.
La batería ó unidad básica del NASAMS cuenta con 22 operadores e incluye un centro de control de tiro, un radar 3-D para detección y seguimiento de blancos. En el caso de Chile sería el Giraffe del fabricante sueco Saab Microwave y tres unidades de lanzamiento, cada una con seis misiles e instalada en un vehículo autónomo.
El sistema tiene un alcance de unos 12-15 kilómetros.
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Chile modernizará sus Hércules/ Chile sets aside funds for C-130 upgrade

La Fuerza Aérea de Chile destinará 10 millones de dólares para la modernización de su flota de Lockheed Martin C-130. Chile dispone de dos aviones de la versión H y uno de la B, que serán equipados con pantallas de cristal líquido en lugar de la instrumentación analógica original. El trabajo será realizado por la local Enaer. La decisión ha sido acelerada tras el terremoto sufrido a principios de año, dónde los C-130 se demostraron clave para proporcionar ayuda de forma rápida.
Suelen estar desplegados en bases al sur de Chile, realizando misiones de apoyo a las bases antárticas chilenas.
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Chile's air force has disclosed an allocation of $10 million to modernise its fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical transports.
The three aircraft - two Hs and an older B model - will be equipped with multifunction displays in lieu of their conventional flight instruments, with the work expected to be carried out by Chile's Enaer. The decision was accelerated in the wake of Chile's February earthquake, when the air force's C-130s were instrumental in providing rapid disaster relief.
Usually detached in southern Chile, the transports are also key components in supporting the country's burgeoning Antarctic commitments.
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Cambio de base de los F-5 Chilenos

Trad 34 anos operando en Cerro Moreno, en Antofagasta, Norte de Chile, los F-5 Tiger III de la Fuerza Aérea Chilen (FACH), se trasladan a una base en el sur, Punta ArenasEn Punta Arenas, la unidad utilizará la Base Aérea de Chabunco, formando parte de la IV Brigada Aérea. En Antofagasta, permanecerá el Grupo N°7, que deberá recebir los primeros F-16 comprados usados a Holanda

CHILE RECEIVES FIRST KC-135/LA FUERZA AÉREA DE CHILE RECIBE PRIMER KC-135

Según Aviación Militar Sudamericana, el pasado 18 de febrero, la Fuerza Aérea Chilena recibió, el primer Boeing KC-135E, de un total de tres adquiridos. Estas tres aeronaves forman parte del proceso de renovación e incorporación de nuevo material, pudiendo operar para el transporte de personas, cargas y contingentes en operaciones de paz o de apoyo tanto en situaciones de catástrofes, como evacuaciones aeromédicas.
El Boeing KC-135E cuenta con el sistema de reabastecimiento de combustible en vuelo del tipo “flying boom”, compatible con los F-16 y además es capaz de alimentar, con una modificación previa al vuelo, a los F-5E/F Tigre III, con el sistema “hose & drogue”.
El costo de las tres aeronaves es de 40 millones de dólares y permitirá mayor movilidad a la FACh. Posee una gran autonomía de vuelo, pudiendo por ejemplo llegar a Haití sin escalas, además de transportar mecánicos, tripulantes y aviones de combate a la zona donde el país lo requiera.
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According Aviación Militar Sudamericana, on Feb. 18 , The Chilean Air Force (FACh)received the first Boeing KC-135E, of three on order. These three aircraft are emmarked under enhancement plans of the Chilean Air Force. Boeing KC-135E has two refuel systems: 'flying boom', for F-16 and 'hose & droque' for F-5E/F Tigre III. The deal is valued in USD 40 million and will allow FACh reach Haiti directly or transport and refuel aircrafts to any place in the country.