By 2nd Lt. Grace Brandt, Air Forces Southern

SANTIAGO, Chile – The U.S. Air Force and Space Force spent the week of April 10, 2026, highlighting the unique mission capabilities of several types of aircraft while strengthening regional partnerships during the Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE) 2026 in Santiago, Chile, which ended on April 12.

The biennial event, hosted by the Chilean Air Force (FACh), is the largest trade show for air, space and defense industries in Latin America. The U.S. Air Force has participated since the event began in 1980 as a way to enhance interoperability, exchange operational expertise and build the relationships that enable a coordinated response to shared challenges. An estimated 100,000 people attended this year’s two-day public event, getting the chance to see the flexibility, precision and global reach of U.S. airpower up close in person.

“The U.S. Air Force has participated in FIDAE in some capacity every single time it’s organized, but every year is different,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Budis, mission commander for Air Forces Southern’s participation in FIDAE 2026. “It’s always fantastic to return to Chile and work with the FACh. Chile is a key U.S. partner in the Southern Cone, and we have a deep relationship based on trust, shared values and mutual interests.”

This year, U.S. participation included a diverse set of capabilities, including C-130 Hercules and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft from the Texas Air National Guard, the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team and the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, with additional support from the U.S. Navy with a P-8 Poseidon.

Inter-country cooperation began even before the show started with the historic first-ever air-to-air refueling by a Chilean Air Force KC-135E Stratotanker that enabled two demo team F-35s to finish their flight to Chile. During the show itself, the demo team participated in several aerial demonstrations and further honed U.S.-Chile military collaboration through a city flyover in tandem with FACh F-16 Fighting Falcons and a KC-135E Stratotanker. Meanwhile, the Wings of Blue cadets had the chance to strengthen relationships with regional partners by sharing techniques and practices with the Boinas Azules, Chile’s premier military parachute team.

“It was an awesome experience,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Austin McDaniel, F35A Lightning II Demonstration Team safety observer and one of the two pilots who coordinated with the FACh to refuel. “The people at FIDAE have been incredibly welcoming. We appreciated being there just as much as they appreciated us being there. It has been a really cool experience getting to meet the Chileans, and getting to work with their Air Force: their officers, enlisted and pilots. They’ve made me want to come back.”

In addition to the performances, the Texas Air National Guard provided static displays for viewing. There were also more than 80 U.S. defense companies represented at the tradeshow portion of the event, showcasing cutting-edge aerospace and space technologies.

The Air Force presence at FIDAE underscored the U.S. commitment to regional stability and the promotion of shared values, while demonstrating the ability to operate seamlessly alongside allies and partners.

“Coming here to FIDAE gives us the chance to demonstrate U.S. airpower capabilities and strengthen those relationships with partners in this region,” Budis said.