MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean Air Force conducts first-ever aerial refueling of US F-35 fighters

The maneuver was carried out on April 4 in international airspace, as the fifth-generation fighters were en route to Santiago to participate in FIDAE 2026

The Chilean Air Force (FACh) completed for the first time an aerial refueling operation involving two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters, in a milestone that demonstrates growing interoperability between the two countries and the level of modernization achieved by Chile's military aviation.

The maneuver was carried out on April 4 in international airspace, as the fifth-generation fighters were en route to Santiago to participate in FIDAE 2026, Latin America's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, held from April 7 to 12 at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. A KC-135E Stratotanker from FACh's Aviation Group No. 10 made contact with the F-35As at approximately 26,000 feet and transferred fuel using the flying boom system, extending the fighters' range without the need for intermediate stops.

The two F-35As belong to the Demonstration Team of the 388th Fighter Wing, based at Hill AFB, Utah. The FACh stated that the operation “demonstrates interoperability and a high level of readiness among military aviators,” according to defense publication The Aviationist. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) described the mission as a demonstration of “Western Hemisphere partnership and readiness.”

The F-35A Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is considered the most advanced fighter in production. Its low radar observability design, state-of-the-art integrated sensors and internal weapons carriage capability make it the backbone of NATO's tactical aviation and that of several Washington allies. Approximately 1,300 units have been delivered worldwide to date, with another 400 pending delivery. The unit cost, including logistical support, ranges between $200 million and $300 million.

While F-35s participated in FIDAE 2018 as a static display, this marked the first time they performed dynamic flight demonstrations in South American skies. At the previous edition of the fair, in 2024, the spotlight had been on the F-22 Raptor.

Chile's ability to sustain operations with fifth-generation aircraft reflects a military modernization process sustained over more than two decades, aligned with NATO standards. The FACh currently operates F-16 fighters, and the F-35 is the aircraft that has been replacing that platform across much of the Atlantic alliance. Defense analysts note that Chile could eventually consider acquiring F-35s as a natural step in its modernization roadmap, though no formal decision has been announced.

FIDAE 2026, opened by President José Antonio Kast, also features a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a C-130J transport, an MQ-9 Reaper drone and a Spanish Air Force Airbus A400M. “We value international collaboration. Chile wants to strengthen relationships with the world based on realism, respect and the defense of its interests,” Kast said at the opening, according to FlightGlobal.