Chile concludes “Southern Star 2025” with over 2,700 troops and participation from six countries
The multinational Special Forces exercise extended from northern to southern Chile, with participation from six countries.
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The twelfth edition of the multinational special forces exercise Southern Star 2025 concluded on Sunday, June 8, with a closing ceremony held at the Lautaro Special Operations Brigade. The event was presided over by the Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army, General Javier Iturriaga del Campo, and marked the end of a week-long deployment involving personnel from six countries.
The exercise, conducted between June 1 and 8, brought together military contingents from Argentina, Colombia, Spain, the United States, Paraguay, and Chile, mobilizing more than 2,700 troops across various regions of Chile. The training simulated a United Nations-mandated stabilization mission, with operations focused on civilian protection, human rights enforcement, and public order restoration. Activities included amphibious navigation, maritime control, and air dominance exercises throughout Chile, from the Tarapacá Region to the southernmost areas of the country.
During the closing ceremony, several participants were recognized for outstanding performance. The Chilean Air Force (FACh) received specific mention, with three military aviators honored for their contribution to the operation. The air component was led by General of Aviation Máximo Venegas Raggio, head of the Air Combat Command and the exercise’s Air Component Commander. Awards were presented by Rear Admiral Mark Schafer, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH).
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the most senior officer and non-commissioned officer from each participating delegation were also recognized by General Iturriaga.
Major General Rodrigo Marchessi Acuña, Commander of Army Special Operations, addressed the ceremony and emphasized the importance of joint and combined training. He highlighted that this year’s edition welcomed observers from ten additional countries, underlining the strategic value of international defense cooperation.
The Chilean Air Force played a significant role in the operation, deploying both personnel and equipment. Aircraft involved included F-16 Block 50, F-16 MLU, F-5 Tiger III, A-29B Super Tucano fighters; UH-412 and MH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The mission also integrated aviation commandos and a space operations cell. The Second Air Brigade provided logistical and coordination support for both national and U.S. Air Force (USAF) special operations aircraft like C-5M Super Galaxy, U-28A Draco, MC-130 Hércules, among others.
Southern Star is organized by the Chilean Army’s Special Operations Command (COPE) under the leadership of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (EMCO) and in collaboration with the U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH). The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability, operational readiness, and multinational cooperation in complex scenarios.
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