Defense relations between Chile and Israel always moved along practical lines, far from political noise. But that logic has changed. Not only due to the diplomatic shift of President Gabriel Boric, but also because of the weight of his latest statements, particularly those made during the recent Public Account on June 1, 2025. What until recently was quiet cooperation is now crossed by an ideological narrative that could directly impact Chile’s military industry.
From discreet cooperation to key supplier
For decades, Israel was a strategic partner for Chile in military technology. Since the 1970s —in the midst of the Cold War and with the country under international isolation— Israel supplied what others refused to deliver: from refurbished Sherman tanks to air defense systems and electronic warfare.
In the 1990s, cooperation continued and deepened. Companies like Elbit Systems and IAI were present in key modernization processes, especially in the Air Force. Chile acquired Phalcon radar systems, upgraded the electronics of its F-16s, and added capabilities in intelligence, UAVs, and cybersecurity, all with a low profile.
That technical and efficient relationship began to grow tense with Boric’s arrival at La Moneda. From the beginning, his critical stance toward Israeli policy in Palestine has been consistent. In 2022, he refused to receive the credentials of Israeli ambassador Gil Artzyeli, an unprecedented gesture. He later recalled the Chilean ambassador in Tel Aviv, withdrew military attachés, and now even supports an arms embargo against Israel.
And in his recent public account, he doubled down: “I have instructed the Minister of Defense to promptly present a plan to diversify our commercial relations in defense, allowing us to stop depending on the Israeli industry in every area.”
Beyond the ethical judgment this stance may carry, its effects are concrete. International relations —especially in defense— are based on trust, continuity, and strategic vision. Breaking a link like the one Chile has with Israel is not only complex, it can be very costly.
Many current capabilities of the Armed Forces rest on platforms of Israeli origin. If that relationship cools —or is broken— replacements will have to be found, and that implies costs: technical, logistical, and financial.
Historian and analyst Fernando Wilson summarized it in statements to La Segunda: “In the Army, at least three models of Spike missiles, the Galil rifle —which is also the standard rifle of the Air Force—, the LAR 160 rocket system, and the 155 mm Soltam artillery pieces… all of Chile’s heavy artillery is of Israeli origin. Also the thermal cameras of the Marder vehicles, which accompany the Leopard tanks.
In the Air Force, the level of integration is even deeper. Chile was the first country to receive new F-16s adapted to operate Israeli weaponry. Moreover, the modernization of the F-5s —radar, electronic warfare, in-flight refueling— also came from Israel.”
The Navy is no exception to this dependency: the Adelaide-class frigates operate with the C-PERL electronic warfare system; the Barak missile system protects the frigate Williams, and the Regev-class missile boats, along with maritime patrol aircraft, have Israeli radar systems.
It can’t be replaced in six months
Avionics systems, military software, spare parts, or training can’t be replaced in half a year. Not to mention the area of cyber defense, where Israel is among the global leaders. The link is not just technical: there is also doctrinal influence. The Israeli territorial defense model has been a constant subject of study in Chilean military academies.
And there is another actor that cannot be ignored: the United States. Washington closely watches how its allies position themselves regarding Israel. An explicit distancing, such as that being promoted by the Chilean government, could have side effects on the bilateral relationship with the world’s main power.
Adding to that is another factor: this government has only eight months left in its term. A decision of this magnitude may leave wounds that are hard to close.
Decisions that come at a high cost
It is evident that the government’s change of course responds to an ethical and humanitarian logic. But defense decisions cannot be made solely from a symbolic standpoint. This is not about political sympathy, but about who gives you the tools to defend your territory.
Today, the Armed Forces are watching carefully. Because in defense, a partner’s reliability is not measured by speeches, but by radars that work, missiles that are updated, and systems that don’t fail.
The challenge now is to prevent a diplomatic signal from turning into a strategic problem. And if ties are to be cut, it’s best to have a Plan B ready. Because in defense, improvisation is expensive.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
Original text written in Spanish by Rodolfo Neira Gachelin
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