As part of the combined exercise Estrella Austral 2025, a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules carried out parachute drops of Chilean Army paratroopers in the Arenales area, Antofagasta Region. The activity was part of a full combat equipment daytime airborne operation (SDCE), involving personnel from the Special Mountain Task Force and the 1st Paratrooper Battalion “Pelantaru.”
The jump by both Chilean Army units reflects the high level of interoperability achieved between the armed forces of both countries and represents one of the air assault maneuvers conducted during the Estrella Austral 2025 exercise, held from June 1 to 8 in various locations across Chile.
Organized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (EMCO), with support from U.S. Southern Command’s Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), the exercise includes the participation of ten observer nations and aims to strengthen international cooperation and response capabilities against common threats in the hemisphere.
Estrella Austral 2025 emphasizes strategic coordination and the development of mutual confidence-building measures among participating forces—key to addressing today’s shared defense and security challenges. The parachute drops, in this context, symbolize the level of readiness and operational cohesion achieved by rapid reaction units.
Image credits: Chilean Army and Air Force.
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