Air Forces Southern officials are hoping that the upcoming FIDAE air show in Santiago, Chile, and subsequent military exercises with the Chilean Air Force will strengthen the bilateral relationship. Roughly 20 aircraft and 200 personnel are traveling to the South American nation, the Arizona Daily Star reported March 26. The air show starts this weekend, with US platforms such as the C-17, F-15, KC-135, and MQ-1 on display. After it, Air Force F-15 and F-16 fighters and B-1 bombers will practice dogfighting against Chilean F-16s, and combat search and rescue crews will train alongside the Chileans, said Lt. Col Dan Pence, who oversees the training for 12th Air Force at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. Several tankers will also train down there, he said. And, USAF airmen will tour Chile’s air force academy and visit children’s hospitals, AFSOUTH said.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.