U.S. sends personnel and equipment to participate in Estrella Austral 2023 in Chile

The United States Air Force (USAF) recently dispatched a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft to Santiago de Chile.

The aircraft, which arrived on July 18, carried personnel, material, and equipment from various U.S. Special Forces units for participation in Estrella Austral 2023, set to occur from July 24 to August 10.

Estrella Austral, a training exercise for Special Operations Forces, simulates a fictitious peace enforcement situation.

The exercise aims to enhance combined joint interoperability through diverse operations including direct actions, special reconnaissance, rescue, and military assistance.

Visuals from the Chilean Army’s social media show the C-17 Globemaster III unloading supplies at Pudahuel air base, in the Chilean Air Force (FACh) Aviation Group No. 10 facilities.

These materials are for U.S. Special Forces units participating in the exercise.

Since 2007, Chile and the U.S. have jointly developed Estrella Austral.

The 2023 edition, hosted by Chile’s Special Operations Command (Cope), anticipates over 1,300 participants, including personnel from Spain’s Joint Special Operations Command (MCOE) for the second time.

This multinational staff exercise enhances regional cooperation, promotes mutual trust, and boosts the readiness, interoperability, and capability of the participating Special Operations Forces.

It also serves to improve the operational proficiency of Chile’s armed forces and other participants, equipping them to support their communities during emergencies and natural disasters.

In the run-up to Estrella Austral 2023, the Chilean and U.S. Armies held multiple preparation conferences in Santiago throughout 2022 and 2023.

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