MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK participates in Chile’s FIDAE with cutting edge technology in defence

The delegation is led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff of the Royal Air Force

United Kingdom companies involved in some of the most cutting edge technology in the defence and security sectors are currently in Santiago for the Air and space air exhibition, FIDAE.

This is a special year for Chile since it is celebrating the 15th anniversary of FIDAE and the 80th anniversary of the Chilean Air Force in the framework of the bicentennial year, which mark the uprising against the Spanish colonial empire.

But it is also a year of mourning and reconstruction following the deaths and damage caused by a succession of tragic earthquakes and tsunamis beginning February 27.

The UK delegation is led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, and includes Mr Geoff Gladding the Regional Director in the UK’s Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation.

A Demonstration Area manned by soldiers from the United Kingdom Trade and Investment Defence & Security Organisation Export Support Team is displaying the UK expertise in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and other equipments which are used operationally in both the Defence and Security sectors.

“We acknowledge that this is a difficult time for Chile but we are keen to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Chile, its Air Force as it reaches its 80th anniversary and to the FIDAE Air Show, the 15th in a successful 30 year history. We recognise the impact of recent events on the Chilean defence and aerospace sectors and we hope that at this exhibition we can identify areas where UK companies can work with their Chilean opposite numbers to mutual benefit. The UK is also showcasing a range of UAVs and associated equipments where the UK is a world leader“, said Geoff Gladding.

He added that “I would like to offer my sincere condolences on behalf of all the UK attendees at the show to all those who have suffered such a devastating time. We hope the UK’s presence here reflects our continuing commitment to a most valued partner”.