Chile Joins the World’s Largest Naval Exercise Off Hawaii

CHILE · DEFENSE

Chile’s frigate Almirante Cochrane has sailed from Valparaiso for Hawaii to join RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest naval exercise, and to take part for the first time in the Pacific Dragon drill.

Where the Almirante Cochrane is heading

The ship left the breakwater at Valparaiso on Saturday, May 23, beginning an international deployment the Navy calls Operacion Pacifico. The commission runs for close to four months, extending into September, according to the Chilean Navy.

Its main event is RIMPAC 2026, the Rim of the Pacific exercise held off Hawaii. The Navy said the frigate would also take part, for the first time, in Pacific Dragon, a drill focused on integrated air defense that brings together a smaller group of nations.

A send-off ceremony for the crew was held earlier in the month at Valparaiso, led by Defense Minister Fernando Barros, alongside senior Navy commanders. Officials framed the deployment as a chance to strengthen interoperability and professional standards.

What RIMPAC involves

RIMPAC, run by the United States Navy since 1971, is described as the largest combined naval exercise in the world. This edition is set to run from late June into July, drawing dozens of nations to test how their navies operate together.

Reports put the gathering at around 40 surface ships, several submarines, scores of aircraft and tens of thousands of personnel from more than 30 countries. The exercise tests combat capabilities and interoperability across very different fleets.

Other South American navies are also taking part. Peru confirmed it would send a Type 209 submarine that recently completed a modernization, joining anti-submarine training alongside the United States.

Why the deployment matters

For Chile, sending a frigate across the Pacific is a statement of naval reach. Officials cast it as a sign of the Navy’s standing and its sustained policy of taking part in major combined exercises.

The Almirante Cochrane is a Type 23 anti-submarine frigate, formerly the Royal Navy’s HMS Norfolk, brought into Chilean service in 2007. The ship has joined international deployments before, including a long commission to United States waters in 2025.

Capabilities like these are built over years rather than improvised. Each deployment adds operational experience that smaller navies use to stay credible in demanding maritime settings.

More: Chile news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Almirante Cochrane depart?

The frigate sailed from Valparaiso on Saturday, May 23, bound for Hawaii, beginning a deployment the Navy calls Operacion Pacifico.

What exercises will it join?

RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest naval exercise, and for the first time Pacific Dragon, a drill focused on integrated air defense involving a smaller group of nations.

How long is the deployment?

Close to four months, extending into September, according to the Chilean Navy.

What kind of ship is it?

A Type 23 anti-submarine frigate, formerly the Royal Navy’s HMS Norfolk, incorporated into the Chilean Navy in 2007.

Are other Latin American navies involved?

Yes. Peru confirmed it would send a Type 209 submarine that recently completed a modernization to take part in RIMPAC and anti-submarine training.

Connected Coverage

The deployment reflects the region’s defense-industry ambitions covered in our report on Brazil’s first national bomb-disposal robot. For Chile’s broader standing, see our coverage of Latin America on the world stage.

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error