With strategic USAF cargo aircraft, Chile leads launch of Southern Star 2025

Chile heads Estrella Austral 2025 with 24 nations and key air logistics support from USAF heavy lifters

24 de mayo de 2025 - 01:06

Elite units and U.S. Air Force cargo aircraft already operating in Chile for Southern Star 2025|PH: Gustavo Roe

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Chile is leading “Southern Star 2025,” the largest multinational special operations exercise in the Southern Hemisphere, running from May 24 to June 11 and involving special forces units from 24 countries. The operation underscores growing defense cooperation across the Western Hemisphere, with the United States participating through U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH).

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Strategic airlifters including the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules have already begun landing in Chile, deploying logistics for the exercise. U.S. troops also arrived on chartered flights operated by Eastern and Omni Air International.

85-0009 - Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy - U.S. Air Force

N225AX - Boeing 767-224(ER) - Omni Air International

Organized by Chile’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (EMCO) and sponsored by SOUTHCOM, Estrella Austral 2025 aims to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and operational readiness in response to regional threats and natural disasters.

The Final Planning Conference (FPC) was held in Santiago in April, concluding the preparation phase. Military representatives from Chile, the U.S., and invited nations finalized logistics, operational scenarios, simulated rules of engagement, and joint coordination frameworks.

While no visible military hardware was unloaded during a key May 22 flight, sealed containers possibly containing logistics and support systems were observed.

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Estrella Austral 2025 also includes a Senior Leadership Seminar (SLS), which gathers high-ranking officers to exchange expertise, doctrines, and best practices in special operations and humanitarian support—strengthening strategic trust among participating nations.

Though this year’s edition is not yet officially underway, it is expected to follow the scale of the 2023 exercise, which involved over 1,700 personnel from Chile, the U.S., and Spain. That operation spanned from Antofagasta to Magallanes, featuring over 20 simulated missions, 150 parachute drops, and more than 330 flight hours, moving over 35 tons of cargo.

Estrella Austral has become the leading special operations exercise in the Southern Hemisphere, preparing participants for complex scenarios such as natural disasters, hostage rescues, hybrid threats, and transnational organized crime.

The 2025 edition places special emphasis on humanitarian and civil protection missions, reflecting regional challenges linked to climate change and extreme weather. Simulated aeromedical evacuations, logistics support to remote areas, and disaster relief scenarios are expected.

Participation from 24 nations underscores a shared geopolitical interest in strengthening multilateral alliances through joint training. These exercises help standardize procedures, boost technical and operational interoperability, and demonstrate rapid crisis response capabilities.

As host country, Chile plays a central role in leading combined operations, aiming not only to refine its tactical expertise but also to reaffirm its position as a reliable partner in continental security. With Estrella Austral 2025, Chile reinforces its commitment to international defense and security cooperation.