F-16 accident in Chile: FACh investigates causes

A Chilean Air Force (FACh) F-16 fighter jet suffered an accident on the runway of the Diego Arecena International Airport, in Iquique.

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Comunicado de Prensa #FACH#AeronáuticaChilena pic.twitter.com/dCSwInTDSQ

— Fuerza Aérea de Chile (@FACh_Chile) September 13, 2024

The FACh issued a press release informing of the incident and clarifying that the F-16 pilot was unharmed. The institution is investigating the causes of the accident. Likewise, Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) communicated the temporary suspension of the airport’s activities.

#InfoDGAC Debido a suceso de aeronave, operaciones aéreas temporalmente suspendidas en aeropuerto Diego Aracena #Iquique. Personal @DGACChile activó procedimientos para revisión y chequeo de pista. Se informará una vez restablecido el servicio para vuelos.

— DGAC Chile (@DGACChile) September 13, 2024

F-16 in the FACh

The F-16 acquisition process began in the late 1990s, following the liberalization of advanced weapons sales to Latin America by the United States. Chile evaluated several options, including the JAS-39 Gripen and the Mirage 2000, but finally opted for the F-16, considering its versatility, performance and wide operational experience in several countries.

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In February 2002, and within the framework of the “Peace Puma” project, the FACH acquired a total of 10 new F-16 Block 50s, the first of which began to arrive in the country in 2006. This weapon system is the most modern of the institution and belongs to the Aviation Group N°3 of the 1st Air Brigade.

Furthermore, in view of the urgent need to replace the aging Mirage 50/5M “Panther”, it was decided to acquire 36 used F-16 Block 15 MLU from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. These aircraft underwent a modernization process (MLU) to bring them up to Block 50+ standards.

With the incorporation of the F-16, the Chilean Air Force experienced an unprecedented technological modernization. This acquisition not only strengthened its deterrence capacity, but also positioned the FACh at the forefront of military aviation in South America, putting it on a par with the air forces of developed countries.