Salitre 2026: the air forces and systems taking part in the multinational exercise

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With only days to go before one of South America’s most important exercises begins, the deployment of the fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones taking part in the Multinational Exercise Salitre 2026 is starting to take shape. From 29 June to 10 July, the Antofagasta Region will host several of the continent’s leading air forces as they test their ability to interoperate and respond jointly in a demanding multi-domain environment.

Conducted in line with NATO standards, the operations will seek to strengthen cooperation between the participating nations through complex missions designed to coordinate activity across the land, maritime, air, space and cyber domains. Aircrews will form a multinational coalition tasked with ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and restoring peace in a fictional interstate-conflict scenario. The exercise will also feature simulated strikes, escorts, suppression of enemy air defences, close air support, cyberattacks and rescue operations. Below is an overview of the main systems set to take part.

Chilean Air Force

The host nation’s air component will be led by F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-5 Tigre III fighters, the FACh’s principal combat assets. They will be joined by C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft, MH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft and KC-135 Stratotanker tankers, creating a force able to undertake air-superiority, transport, rescue and tactical-support missions. Although reports have emerged regarding the possible involvement of E-3 Sentry airborne early-warning aircraft, Chilean authorities have not officially confirmed their attendance.

The F-16s and F-5s will form the backbone of Chile’s combat component, supported by transport aircraft, air-to-air refuelling assets and helicopters for tactical missions.

Brazilian Air Force

Brazil will provide one of Salitre 2026’s key milestones by deploying its F-39 Gripens, which will conduct their first international operation outside Brazilian territory. The participation of these new-generation fighters is among the exercise’s main attractions and marks a significant step in the Brazilian Air Force’s regional projection.

US Air Force

The United States will contribute a combination of air-combat, special-operations and aerospace-surveillance capabilities through the deployment of F-16 aircraft, U-28 Draco aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones. So far, the latter represent the only confirmed participation of unmanned aerial systems in Salitre 2026.

Argentine Air Force

The Argentine Air Force will take part with IA-63 Pampa advanced trainers and C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft, reaffirming its presence in one of South America’s most relevant combined exercises while contributing experience in both air operations and logistical-support duties.

Colombian Aerospace Force

Colombia will deploy one of the exercise’s most diverse contingents, comprising A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and AH-60L Arpía IV attack helicopters. This mix of assets will allow it to contribute to close air support, tactical mobility and force-protection missions.

Paraguayan Air Force

Paraguay’s contribution will consist of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft on their first international deployment, strengthening the exercise’s light-attack component.

Beyond the air component, Salitre 2026 will include Chilean and foreign special forces to conduct rescue missions, non-combatant extraction and protection of the multinational force. This renewed humanitarian and multi-domain focus demonstrates how the exercise has evolved from previous editions, consolidating it as one of the continent’s leading opportunities for combined training.

Images used for illustrative purposes.