More than 130 airmen and guards landed in Santiago, Chile, to participate in the Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE), Latin America’s largest aerospace, defense and security exhibition, from 5 to April 10, 2022.

Among those representing the United States Air Force are the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Texas and Nevada Air National Guard and Team Air Force Academy Wings of Blue paratroopers. Air Force Global Strike Command will also be represented by a B-52 Stratofortress flyover.

“By working alongside our partners, we are able to strengthen relationships,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Ian Barta, deputy chief of air for the US delegation to FIDAE. “It’s amazing how in just a few days a team representing multiple countries is able to improve understanding of how each operates. From a military perspective, we are improving our military-to-military relationship with our Chilean counterparts, which will help prepare us to work together in the future.”

The US Space Force is also present to work with partner nations and promote mutual space security and stability interests. FIDAE offers the opportunity to engage with industry, aviation and space leaders from partner countries as well as with visitors to build understanding and shared responsibility for space behaviors that are integral to an increasingly digital and interconnected.

During the week, demonstrations of the F-22 Raptor and the Wings of Blue parachute team will showcase the United States’ airpower, capabilities and enduring promise as a committed partner in the region. Additionally, the Texas Air National Guard‘s F-22, C-130J Super Hercules, and Nevada Air National Guard’s C-130H Hercules will give thousands in attendance an up-close look at critical airframes in the inventory of the USAF.

FIDAE also offers senior U.S. Air and Space leaders the opportunity to engage in important bilateral discussions with their counterparts in the Chilean Air Force and other American nations. Latin.

“We look forward to working alongside our partners in Chile,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Barry Cornish, commander of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern). “Our friendship with the Chilean Air Force and the people of Chile endures and we look forward to continuing to advance the ability to work together, both in the air and in space.”
Additional information on the FIDAE air and trade show is available at https://www.fidae.cl/.