The Chilean Air Force marked a new milestone after one of its KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft refueled in flight a pair of 5th generation F-35A Lightning II fighters belonging to the U.S. Air Force. The operation between the Chilean aircraft and the U.S. F-35s was carried out in international airspace, as part of local support for the U.S. deployment for FIDAE 2026.
According to what was reported by the Chilean Air Force, the successful and historic in-flight refueling from a KC-135E to the F-35A “…demonstrates interoperability and a high level of preparedness of military aviators…”. It is worth noting that the Chilean Stratotanker belongs to Aviation Group No. 10, a unit that is part of the II Air Brigade.
In the U.S. case, the fighters belong to the F-35 Demo Team, aircraft that are part of the U.S. contingent that will take part in the international FIDAE airshow that will be held between April 7 and 12 in the northern sector of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.
In Chile, the F-35 Demo Team’s flight display program includes that the 5th generation fighters carry out demonstration and exhibition flights during April 9, 11, and 12, at times still to be confirmed at the time of this publication.
In addition to the Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, the U.S. Armed Forces will also be represented with a Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft from the Navy.
The recent in-flight operations with the U.S. F-35A are an additional demonstration of the capabilities of the Chilean Air Force, which over the years has managed to establish high standards thanks to the different acquisition and modernization programs of equipment, as well as managing material and budgetary resources according to its needs.
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