US Navy P-8 boosts regional ties at Chile’s international air show

Patrol Squadron 30 and its flight crew showcased a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon at Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE) 2026 in Santiago, Chile, from April 7 to 12, reinforcing U.S. maritime patrol capability and integration with regional partners.

The aircraft’s appearance enabled direct engagement with the Chilean Air Force and Navy, connecting crews through shared P-3 Orion experience while demonstrating next-generation maritime patrol and reconnaissance capability. “The U.S. presence at FIDAE is of strategic importance,” said Chilean Air Force Col. Rolando Guerrero Rubio, FIDAE 2026 Air Operations Manager. “This achievement underscores our combined operational readiness and the seamless support our nations provide one another.”

U.S. participation emphasized interoperability, trusted partnerships, and shared maritime security across the hemisphere. “FIDAE is such a great opportunity for the United States to showcase this new asset, the P-8,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tim “Tummy” Cline, P-8A mission commander and officer in charge of the detachment. “It allows us to strengthen our partnerships with the Chilean Air Force and Chilean Navy, and shows our commitment to providing security in their waters.”

With the P-8 replacing the legacy P-3 Orion—an aircraft still flown by the Chilean Air Force—the deployment created a natural bridge between crews. “The fact that they fly the P-3, which is what this replaced, makes this meaningful,” Cline said. “We understand each other, and we can showcase the new capabilities the P-8 brings.”

Throughout the event, U.S. and Chilean crews exchanged insights, including a tour of the Poseidon by Chilean P-3 operators. “We were able to sync with the Chilean P-3 crew and give them a tour,” Cline said. “Even without a full exchange, just being able to connect and talk through the platform was valuable.”

The presence also carried a broader message to other regional participants at the trade and air show. “It shows all the other countries and folks here for the trade show ways to strengthen U.S.-Chilean partnerships,” Cline said.

U.S. Navy Lt. Ethan White, the P-8 aircraft commander, underscored the value of representing U.S. naval aviation and momentum with partners. “We’re excited to be here as a team showcasing the best of U.S. Navy capability and this aircraft,” he said. “Chile’s hospitality has been incredible, and it’s been amazing to experience the country while connecting with our partners.”

Cline reflected on the long-standing ties with Chile. “I came here in 2008 as a young midshipman, and now I’m back 18 years later,” he said. “The local populace, the Chilean Air Force and Navy – they’ve all been nothing but receptive and awesome. It just proves that our partnership is strong.”

As the aircraft remained on static display, steady lines of visitors engaged with the crew, signaling public interest and the strength of the U.S.-Chilean relationship. “We’re here. We’re ready to work. We’re ready to partner,” Cline said. “We’re ready to strengthen a partnership that’s already decades in the making and showcase what this platform can bring.”