Chile's Defense & Military

Colombia Looks to Buy Leopard 1 Tanks from Chile

2012-01-21T22:22:00.000-08:00

Colombia may acquire a batch of Chilean Leopard 1V tanks, the daily La Segunda reported. Colombia has inquired into buying 60 tanks and sent technical teams to evaluate the equipment in October and December. Undersecretary of Defense Oscar Izurieta downplayed the possible deal, but confirmed Colombia is interested in acquiring some Leopards. There's more than just a transfer of tanks: Colombia has asked Chile for assistance in equipping and maintaining armored forces, La Segunda noted. As a quid pro quo, Chile's Army asked its Colombian counterparts for training on helicopter warfare in day and night conditions -- something in which Colombia has extensive experience after its long war against FARC. Chile plans to retire most if not all its Leopard 1V tanks, having equipped its front-line battalions with the more capable Leopard 2.Chile acquired the Leopard 1V tanks from surplus inventories in Holland and Germany. Most arrived in 1999. Reports that Chile would sell some Leopard 1V tanks to Ecuador never materialized.

Chile Braces Itself as Falklands Tensions Rise

2012-01-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

British troops advance on the Falklands, 1982

With Argentina and Britain increasing the rhetoric over the Falkland Islands, Chile is reviewing its diplomatic options and obligations to both nations. Chilean foreign relations officials are focusing in particular on navigation and travel accords after the Mercosur trading bloc -- which includes Argentina and Chile -- agreed in December to ban Falkland Islands-flagged ships from their ports. Chile's review includes a 1999 pact with Argentina that allowed Chile's Lan Airlines to resume flights to the Falklands. Chile has friendly relations with both Argentina and Britain, and the renewed tensions have put Chile in an awkward position. Faced with pressure from Buenos Aires, Chilean diplomats say it would be difficult to say no to Argentina, a trusted neighbor at a time when relations with Peru and Bolivia are frosty. Chile and Argentina have formed a joint peacekeeping force, for example. At the same time, Britain has been a solid ally of Chile, whose Armada likes to fancy itself after the Royal Navy. Argentina began its diplomatic charge for the Falklands in 2010, after Britain started drilling for oil around the islands (known to South Americans as Malvinas). The dispute is expected to heighten with this year's 30th anniversary of the 1982 Falklands War.

World Naval Review 2012 Includes Chapter on Chile

2012-01-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

The 2012 edition of Seaforth World Naval Review has been released, and it includes a chapter on Chile's Navy written by the publisher of this blog. Thus, you see here a gratuitous promotion about this yearbook. World Naval Review "has rapidly established a reputation as an authoritative but affordable summary of all that has happened in the naval world in the previous twelve months," says the book's back cover. "It combines the standing features of regional surveys with one-off major articles on noteworthy new ships and other important developments." My chapter on the Chilean Navy details the modernization that started with Chile's purchase of two Scorpene submarines in 1997, to the refurbishment of the principal surface ships, to the recovery from the 2010 earthquake and the current upgrade of naval aviation and marine forces. It also discusses the looming changes in military budgeting and its impact on the Navy. The 2012 edition of this hardcover includes an analysis of today's Royal Navy, British offshore patrol vessels, plus chapters on sonar technology and naval aviation.

Violence Increasing in Mapuche Conflict

2012-01-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

Police in the volatile Araucania region received gunfire in a series of attacks that have escalated in the past several days. In the most serious attack, two officers were hurt by shotgun pellets during a confrontation with masked assailants Jan. 10. Earlier, a police vehicle and another carrying journalists also were hit by gunfire. In late December, an officer was shot in the arm as he escorted a logging company truck. Meanwhile, Mapuche leaders denounced police after a member of Carabineros scuffled with a woman holding a baby and aimed his weapon at her. The incident, captured on video, gave protesters evidence of excessive force Mapuches have been complaining about. Arson attacks have occurred in recent months too, as the conflict over ancestral lands shows no sign of abating. But it has not disintegrated into all-out chaos. Talks between government and Mapuche leaders continue, and the violence remains largely contained to certain hot spots. Still, it's a security problem Chile's leaders have yet to get under control.

A Closer Look at Chile's New Assault, Er, Relief Ship

2012-01-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

The Navy officially took ownership of a second-hand landing ship in December and is quickly moving to get the vessel in operating order. Already, at least two Cougar helicopters have been purchased from civilian operators and could serve as the airlift arm of the ship. The ex-French Foudre, rechristened Sargento Aldea, can operate up to three helicopters simultaneously and can accommodate up to seven similar-sized helicopters, including four in its hangar. Chile also bought from the French a tank landing vessel and two barges that can operate from the well deck. The 12,000-ton vessel (fully loaded) has a maximum speed of 20 knots and can sail 11,000 miles without refueling, assuming a normal cruise speed of 15 knots. Commissioned in 1990, the ship can carry a mechanized infantry battalion of 467 troops, making it Chile's principal force-projection asset. Naval-Technology.com has more details on capabilities and on-board equipment. As a relief ship, Sargento Aldea can load up to 1,600 people plus its crew of 224. It is ideal for disaster relief operations, thanks to a hospital suite that includes 51 beds, two operating rooms, a dental clinic, an X-ray room, a lab and even a burn unit. A single mission could have handled the recent evacuation of the volcano-stricken Chaiten community and could have carried the entire tonnage of the airlift that followed the 2010 earthquake. It is this type of civilian-friendly mission that makes acquisitions of multi-role ships politically attractive in just about any country. For Chile in particular, amphibious ships are essential because many isolated island and southern communities rely on the Navy for some basic services. The Sargento Aldea could be in a Chilean port as early as this month.

Army Reorganization Targets Defense of the Andes

2011-12-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

While its northern borders command most of Chile's defense efforts, the Andes mountains are the focal point of a new restructuring in the Army. The 3rd Army Division is being renamed 3rd Mountain Division and it will combine regiments that specialize in defending the massive mountain range. The 3rd Mountain Division, with headquarters in the southern city of Valdivia, will bring together three reinforced regiments, two infantry regiments (of roughly 400 troops each), one artillery, one armored cavalry, one communications and one logistics regiment. All units are based in central and southern areas of Chile, with the southernmost being Reinforced Regiment No. 9 in Osorno. The three reinforced regiments are comprised primarily of a mountain infantry battalion and a mountain engineer battalion, with one regiment (in the Los Andes community) also equipped with an artillery unit. The crest of the Andes largely marks the border with Argentina and Bolivia, so it's a major piece of Chile's security considerations. The new reorganization is designed to better coordinate defense and disaster-relief operations in mountainous areas, rather than cope with a specific threat. Argentina and Chile are on quite friendly terms, and the Andes form a natural barrier with that country and with Bolivia.

Blastoff! Chile's New Satellite In Orbit

2011-12-16T23:38:00.000-08:00

Chile's new satellite was launched into orbit the evening of Friday, Dec. 16 from a facility in the French Guiana. The FASat-Charlie satellite is a joint military-civilian program in which the 117-kg spacecraft will be used for mapping, agricultural monitoring, environmental research, management of natural resources, and of course to peek into neighboring countries' military installations. Reports say FASat-Charlie's sensors are powerful enough to detect submarines on the surface. The $72 million satellite, built by Europe's Astrium, is considered the most powerful in South America. It is scheduled to be in orbit for five years. Chile's Air Force will operate a ground control station at the El Bosque air base. FASat-Charlie is not the first satellite Chile has put in space. The first project, in 1995, was a failure after the satellite never separated from its booster rocket. The second spacecraft, launched in 1998, operated for three years.

Friends Don't Let Friends Fly Drunk

2011-11-25T20:34:00.001-08:00

The scenario: An Air Force pilot who's been drinking alcohol takes off on a training mission flying an attack plane with a bomb payload. Something goes wrong in flight and the pilot ejects, and the plane crashes. The Air Force fires the pilot, as you would expect any reasonable military organization to do, and files criminal charges. But this month, Chile's supreme court acquitted the pilot. The court ruled the Air Force does not specifically make drunken flying a crime. The only punishment that could be meted out in this case was just disciplinary action. The crash, which occurred in 2003, resulted in the loss of an A-36 Halcon jet. That's not a front-line warplane, but still a significant loss. For the Air Force, the incident is a black eye and the latest piece of bad news in what has been a dreary year. On Sept. 2, a C-212 transport plane carrying 21 civilians and crew members crashed off the Juan Fernandez island, killing all on board. During the subsequent recovery mission, a ground crew member was struck by a propeller blade and killed. On Nov. 9, a pilot with the Halcones acrobatic flying team was killed in a training crash.

Single-Engine Planes Added to Border Security

2011-11-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Chile has acquired three small airplanes as part of its effort to curb drug trafficking in the northern border region. The Cirrus SR-22 planes, which cost $500,000 each, will be equipped with optical equipment for day and night surveillance. The acquisition is part of Plan Frontera Norte (Plan Northern Border), which bolsters defenses against drug trafficking from Peru and Bolivia with a combined air-sea-land campaign. The government has budgeted $70 million through 2014 for Plan Frontera Norte. Other elements of the plan include a ground radar, a mobile thermal-imaging system, fast-reaction vehicles and other sensors.

Navy Upgrading Radars on its Type 23 Frigates

2011-11-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Navy's Type 23 frigates, the newest of eight surface warships in the fleet, will get new air defense radars. The Type 911 tracking radar spots targets at low elevations, such as sea-skimming missiles, and in cluttered environments. This was a shortcoming of the earlier Type 910 tracking radar. The 911 is linked to the Seawolf air-defense missile system. BAE Systems is getting about $5.25 million for the hardware and installation, which will be done in conjunction with Chile's Asmar shipyard. The two companies have already teamed up on maintenance and upgrade projects for the Navy's British-built frigates.

Soldiers Leaving Army for Better-Paying Jobs in Mining

2011-10-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

Just as the armed forces face a shortage of volunteers, the Army is bleeding professional soldiers. Gen. Juan Miguel Fuente-Alba complained that an average of 126 soldiers each month have been leaving the Army for higher-paying jobs in the private sector. Most losses are in the north of Chile, where mining companies have lured soldiers with higher salaries. To the mining industry, soldiers are an attractive source of labor. They've acquired technical and professional skills in the Army, and they're used to working in adverse conditions. The Army sought 7,000 professional soldiers for 2012, although 6,726 were budgeted. Already, nearly 6,000 are in the Army, leaving about 750 that would be added from enlisted personnel. Professional soldiers became part of the Army in recent years, as increased use of technology made it necessary to have soldiers with training and experience in various systems. For years, the Air Force has suffered a similar problem. It has lost many pilots to commercial airlines, where salaries are many times that of the military.

Student Protests Force Military to Revive Draft

2011-10-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Although Chile has compulsory military service, for years no one has been forced into serving. That's because there have been plenty of young people wanting to serve voluntarily and to take advantage of the free education in the armed forces. But that's changing. Facing a 30% drop in volunteers for next year's conscription class, Direccion General de Mobilizacion Nacional called up 56,793 men from registration rolls. About 11,000 would need to be drafted, according to one report. The call-up is a consequence of student protests sweeping Chile, said Gen. Günther Siebert Wendt, the commander of mobilization. Volunteers are down because "not only are schools closed, but there's also no possibility of reaching schools to incentivize youths to sign up for military service," the general said. Still, Gen. Seibert said the armed forces hope to fill all positions with volunteers. Even if someone is drafted, it's easy to get a deferment or excuse. If you go in the Army or Air Force you'd serve 12 to 14 months. Navy conscripts serve for up to 24 months. Women are not drafted but can volunteer, as long as they are single and have no children.

UAVs Given Policing Role As Border Control Becomes Key Focus

2011-10-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

Defense Secretary Andres Allamand confirmed Chile has acquired unmanned aerial vehicles from Elbit Systems in a deal finalized during visits to Israel and Norway last month. The Hermes 900 UAVs will join Chile's efforts to beef up its border security, namely to curb illegal drug trafficking. The border with Bolivia is especially troublesome, with more than 100 unguarded passes. The Hermes UAVs can be equipped with optics such as thermal imaging cameras and other sensors for that task. Chile's defense and interior ministries have launched Plan Frontera Norte (Plan Northern Border), which includes purchasing ground radars, thermal imaging systems for land and sea surveillance, and command and control systems. The cost was put at $10 million, and the equipment will be handled by the national police. The plan is the latest example of how Chile's security focus is shifting from traditional defense to internal and C3 (command, control, communications) areas. Internal security problems such as education-reform protests and the rebellion of indigenous people are being handled in conventional ways (mainly riot control). But the fight against drugs takes high-tech equipment, which is where more funds are being allocated.

Navy Agrees to Acquire French Landing Ship

2011-10-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Chile's long flirtation with the French has finally come to fruition as the government finalized negotiations to purchase the amphibious landing ship Foudre. The ship could be in Chilean hands in the first half of 2012, the Navy confirmed, adding that the final contract will be signed in November. The cost reportedly was $80 million, according to reports, which sounds like a bargain for a ship of the Foudre's size and capability. Indeed, the acquisition represents a big leap in sealift and force projection power for Chile, which in January retired its 40-year-old Newport-class landing ship, the Valdivia. The Navy's sealift force was reduced to a pair of 1,400-ton landing ships and another two 770-ton vessels. The 12,000-ton Foudre can carry a batallion of 467 troops plus mechanized cavalry equipment, including as many as 100 vehicles and 22 Leopard II main battle tanks. Its deck and hangar can accomodate up to seven medium helicopters. The well dock can fit either 10 medium landing craft or one mechanised landing craft and four LCMs. In another important role, it can serve as the backbone of relief operations. The ship can squeeze as many as 1,600 people in disaster scenarios, and its hospital facilities include two operating rooms and 47 beds. The Foudre was commissioned in 1990, so it doesn't exactly have fresh sea legs. Still, sea transport is crucial for Chile to reach its island communities and isolated areas in a disaster, not to mention its peacekeeping force in Haiti. The massive 2010 earthquake and tsunami underscored the need for sea-based relief operations. For a couple of years, Chilean naval officers had expressed interest in the Foudre and similar ships that came on the market.

More Details on the New M-109 Howitzers

2011-10-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

The 12 M-109 self-propelled howitzers being refurbished by BAE Systems for delivery to Chile are of the M-109A5 model, a company executive told MercoPress. The model features the M284 155mm gun and M182 mount, which extend the firing range by 25% compared with the earlier version of the M-109. The upgrade work includes adding digital data connectivity and gun positioning and navigation systems. Where is the new artillery battalion headed? To the 3rd Armored Brigade near Antofagasta, a colonel told a news show. The MercoPress item also mentions that BAE worked on the upgrade of Chile's M-113s, a program that brought up those armored personnel carriers to the M-113A2 standard.

Getting a Read on Internal Security Issues

2011-09-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

As protests continue, 2011 is going down as the most politically violent year in Chile since the return of democracy in 1990. For months, student groups have taken to the streets demanding reforms in the education system. Some protests turned quite violent, with students throwing rocks and molotov cocktails at police. At least one store was set ablaze during one riot. Police have responded with water cannon and tear gas, suffering scores of injuries and in a few cases even gunshot wounds. The shooting death of one teenager by police further inflamed protesters, some of whom are left-wing extremists happy to pound on the conservative government and destroy businesses. While the scenes from Santiago and other cities are dismaying, the country is far from being paralyzed. Protests are noisy and disruptive but not violent the majority of the time. Student and government leaders are in talks, which has cooled the crisis to some degree. Still, there are extremist elements that threaten to undermine the progress in negotiations. For example, Carabineros found bomb-making materials at one university. Meanwhile, the conflict with the native community shows no sign of abating. This month, Mapuche militants fired at police guarding a ranch that has been a flashpoint of the long conflict. In another recent incident, a rancher is accused of shooting a 13-year-old and wounding him after an altercation. Like the student conflict, the Mapuche war remains contained to certain troublespots in the south of Chile.

Crash of Air Force Plane Kills 21 Crew Members, Civilians

2011-09-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

In one of the worst military aviation disasters in Chile's history, an Air Force plane with 21 on board crashed Friday, Sept. 2, near the Juan Fernandez islands. All on board are presumed dead. The island's mayor said the twin-engine CASA C-212 aborted its landing attempt amid high winds. On its second attempt, the plane veered off behind a hill and was never seen again. A day later, four bodies were found in waters south of the island, some 600 meters from the airstrip. Recovery efforts continued through the weekend, with the Navy putting its new C-295 Persuader maritime reconnaissance airplanes on the mission, in addition to two frigates, support vessels and helicopters. Civilian and Navy divers searched underwater for remains. The Air Force (FACH) deployed its own rescue team but, alas, a hydraulic problem forced one of its planes to return to Santiago. The crash is getting plenty of media coverage in Chile, increased by the fact that among the dead was a television personality and his news crew. The Television Nacional team was flying to the island to report on how Juan Fernandez villagers are recovering from the 2010 tsunami. Government cultural officials and members of an earthquake recovery group were also aboard. The C-212's pilot was Lt. Juan Pablo Mallea and the co-pilot was Lt.Carolina Fernández, one of the few female military aviators in Chile. The pilots and four other crew members were based at the Cerro Moreno base in the north of Chile. What could have gone wrong? Aside from the winds, there was no obvious cause. The plane had enough fuel for the 600 km flight from Santiago, and was not overloaded, FACH says. Update: After two days of fruitless search, complicated by heavy seas, more bodies and wreckage were found Tuesday, Sept. 6, in waters 7 km from the airstrip. The plane was a C-212 Series 300, tail number 966. It was the fourth accident in Chile since 1986 involving a C-212, which is used by all three branches of the armed forces. FACH says the plane did not miss its first landing attempt; it was a routine flyover of the runway to make sure it was clear to land. Winds recorded at the island were 25 knots and erratic, which would have affected the landing.

Netherlands Wraps Up Deliveries of F-16s

2011-08-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

The final batch of used F-16 fighter jets for Chile's Air Force has made it to its new home. On Aug. 29, the last five planes left from the Netherlands, plus one more whose flight was delayed by a day. In total, 18 F-16s were purchased under a $270 million agreement in 2009. The first dozen planes were delivered in November 2010 and April of this year. The final deliveries give FACH 36 former Dutch F-16s. The planes, which have undergone the midlife upgrade program (MLU), include 29 of the "A" single-seat version plus seven two-seat "B" samples. The entire fleet of MLU-type F-16s is stationed at the Cerro Moreno air base near Antofagasta. The newer C/D version F-16s are based farther north, near Iquique.

Acquisition of M-109 Howitzers Moving Forward

2011-08-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

There are tangible signs that Chile's long-planned purchase of U.S. self-propelled howitzers is becoming a reality. BAE Systems Land and Armaments, of York, Pa., was awarded a $7 million contract to refurbish a dozen M109A+ self-propelled howitzers for Chile, the U.S. Defense Department announced. Work is due to be completed in November, 2012. The howitzers were part of a larger acquisition announced in 2009 to re-equip mechanized artillery units. That included one batch of 12 M-109A3 and an additional dozen M-109A5. It's possible that one batch of M-109s has already been delivered. Chile's disclosures in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms showed a 2009 purchase of 12 self-propelled howitzers, although it didn't specify the model. The Army's plan is to equip each of its armored brigades with its own mechanized artillery battalion. Two battalions, each with 12 M-109s, have been operational for a few years.

The Shape of Things to Come

2011-08-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

With the modernization of its warplanes, armor and warships essentially complete, Chile is turning its attention to improving its command, control and communications (C3) capabilities. The new acquisition of Hermes 900 UAVs, which include electro-optical equipment, is part of a program by the armed forces to expand intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. Operated by the Air Force, the UAVs will -- among other things -- support land and coastal operations. Meanwhile, the 2010 purchase of 34 Man Portable MIDS-JTRS/HMS radios from General Dynamics make it possible for ground troops to link up directly with air-support aircraft. On a broader scale, Chile wants to purchase three Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control systems from Northrop Grumman. The system collects target information from sensors such as Sentinel radars and AWACS planes and integrates it into a comprehensive tactical picture. From there, commanders can send orders to their anti-aircraft units, ranging from man-portable heat-seeking missile units to Avenger mobile missile units (which also are planned for purchase). Radio, GPS and position location systems round out FAAD. Chile also is considering replacing its single Condor (Phalcon) airborne early warning radar aircraft, and has been reviewing the C-295 AEW from Airbus Military and Israel Aerospace Industries, according to Jane's Defence Weekly. The plane fits with FACH's preference for a turboprop platform for this role, and the Navy already operates the C-295 Persuader maritime reconnaissance plane.

Asmar Shipyard Workers End Strike

2011-07-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

About 1,000 workers agreed to an offer for higher wages and a one-time bonus, ending their monthlong work stoppage. Although the workers did not get as large a raise as they hoped, they nonetheless achieved an important goal: For the first time, the workers of a company owned by the Defense Ministry reached a collective bargaining agreement.

Another Disaster, Another Mission

2011-07-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

One good thing about engineer and logistic units is that they can be put to practical use even when there's no combat or training. With Chile battling the "white earthquake," a devastating snowy season, army units have been busy providing aid. Earlier this month, for example, troops broke through to a town in the area of Quinquén (in the south of Chile) that had been isolated for a week. In the north, where rare snowstorms caught everyone by surprise, an army patrol marched 11 hours to rescue a bus with Bolivians that was stuck in the snow. Air force UH-1H helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have flown in relief supplies to various communities. But every disaster exposes a shortcoming, and in this case it's the concentration of military helicopters in strategic areas, such as Punta Arenas in the extreme south, Santiago and the air bases in Antofagasta and Iquique. Helicopter units have been moved quickly, however, to trouble spots in earlier disasters.

The Security Problem Along Bolivia's Border

2011-07-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

While the crime rate is down in Chile, it's been climbing in the area of Iquique, one of the largest cities west of Bolivia. In fact, it has the country's highest crime rate. A porous 365-kilometer border has made it easy for drugs to flow into Chile from Bolivia, and for stolen vehicles to enter Bolivia from Chile. Of more than 80 crossings along the border, only three are legal and have police checkpoints. Now, the government is asking Chile's army for help. The plan is to have army engineers dig trenches and other obstacles to slow the flow of traffickers and illegal aliens. Video cameras will be installed to better monitor the region. But officials are getting some pushback from the army. An unnamed representative of the joint chiefs of staff told government officials that the army's doctrine prohibits it from taking part in anti-drug operations. It's not clear if that includes digging obstacles. Indeed, the security along the border is largely the responsibility of the national police. Carabineros act as the border patrol. They now operate a King Air B200G airplane with imaging equipment to watch over the extensive desert region. They could go shopping for more equipment.

Peacekeeping Force Gets a Mobile City

2011-07-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Chile has acquired an extensive logistical support system for its joint peacekeeping force with Argentina. The acquisition involves dozens of containers and tents for lodging, medical care, command posts, kitchens, dining halls, laundry facilities, bathrooms, refrigeration equipment, repair shops, water purification and desalination systems, a gym and other gear to make living on the combat zone more tolerable. The mobile facilities are enough to sustain 800 personnel in just about any part of the world, says ARPA, the Spanish manufacturer. Chile's purchase includes facilities and systems to support air operations. Chile and Argentina have conduction joint exercises as they continue forming their task force. The cost of the purchase was not disclosed.

Mapuche Uprising Back in Force

2011-07-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Mapuche extremists broke a period of calm, mounting an attack on truckers in the south of Chile on July 8. Several hooded individuals fired shotguns and forced drivers who were sleeping inside their trucks along a road to exit their vehicles. The attackers then set fire to the four logging trucks. They also tried to attack a passing ambulance, but it managed to escape. It is presumed the attackers were Mapuche radicals, members of the indigenous people who have been waging a war of terror in hopes of reclaiming ancestral lands. The uprising -- which has tended to target logging, ranching and police in the region -- poses one of the biggest security problems for Chilean officials. The attack followed a July 1 shooting at police officers guarding a ranch that has been attacked multiple times. Meanwhile, a judge released five Mapuche activists who had been accused of murder.

Another Setback for Asmar Shipyard

2011-07-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

The navy's shipyard -- trying to get back on its feet after being wiped out in the February 2010 tsunami -- is dealing with another big problem. Workers have gone on strike, halting work at the yard for about a month now. There's been no word from Asmar on any project delays, but the strike is certainly not what the company needed. Workers are seeking higher wages. An interesting twist is that the workers' union accused the navy of using marines to halt a protest march. The way the union chief tells it, the naval zone's commander rejected a protest on the naval base's grounds and threatened to use troops if it was carried out. The union marched to the base's gates, where they were met by armed marines. The navy confirmed it denied permission for the protest, citing navy regulations. But it denies being heavy-handed.

The Polemic Voyage of the Esmeralda

2011-06-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Navy's sail training ship is making history by having women sailors on board its instructional cruise for the first time. Of 314 crew members, 47 are women. Three are instructional officers, including one from Colombia's navy and one from Ecuador's. Two female sailors from Uruguay's navy were invited, too. While Chile fosters an image of gender equality and cooperation with other nations, the four-month voyage is not always getting good publicity. A group of Chileans who escaped from Gen. Augusto Pinochet's rule and settled in Canada are protesting the Esmeralda's arrival in western Canadian ports this August. They cite investigations that showed the ship was used as a detention and torture center. This is not exactly new. In prior years, the Esmeralda's docking at various ports has triggered protests. Nearly 40 years have passed since the human rights abuses took place, yet protesters continue to aim their anger at sailors who weren't even born when these events took place. At the same time, you have to wonder: What in the world was the Navy thinking by using a gorgeous sail ship and a symbol of national pride as a detention center?

Bolivian Troops Cross Into Chile

2011-06-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

A Bolivian army patrol strayed into Chilean territory, where police intercepted it and took the 14 soldiers into custody. All indications are that it was an accidental crossing, and the two countries are resolving the manner as cordially as could be expected. Chile sent a formal complaint to La Paz; Bolivia's government called it an isolated incident. Nonetheless, press reports reveal some surprising aspects of the Bolivian force. The patrol, for example, was in military uniforms but was riding civilian vehicles -- with Chilean license plates. Most of the troops were in a Toyota van and the rest in a Daihatsu SUV. Police first spotted the van around 2 am Friday, June 17, about 270 km northeast of Iquique, then the SUV. The 14 Bolivians were poorly armed, with a total of three 9mm pistols and two 5.56mm assault rifles. Chile's police treated the incident as an illegal immigrant crossing, and sent the Bolivians to a judge for questioning and likely deportation. Bolivia's government says it had recently beefed up patrols along the Chilean border to combat the smuggling of stolen vehicles into Bolivia. In fact, the Toyota and the Daihatsu had been confiscated from smugglers. While the incident is working itself out, it comes at a tense time, just as Bolivia intensifies efforts to win back access to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia lost its coastal territory in the 1879-1883 war against Chile. UPDATE: The patrol was returned to Bolivia on Sunday, June 19, without charges. Bolivia's government maintains no harm was meant, and that the patrol wandered into Chile in an area where the border is not clearly marked. The daily La Tercera, quoting Chile's foreign ministry, says accidental Bolivian and Peruvian troop crossings aren't that unusual, with at least three incidents occurring in recent years. Regarding the Chilean-registered vehicles the soldiers were using, Bolivia says the troops took control of them after being abandoned by smugglers.

Uh-Oh

2011-06-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Voters in Peru elected Ollanta Humala as their next president, sending shock waves through Chile. Humala, of course, is the leftist politician who frequently has expressed hostility toward Chile. He wants Chile to apologize for a recent case of espionage and for policies in the past the he believes harmed Peru. As a former army officer, Humala trained to fight a war with Chile -- another fact not lost on Chileans. During his political campaign, the nationalist Humala adopted a softer tone than when he unsuccessfully ran for president in 2006. He distanced himself from Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. But is this kinder and gentler Humala for real, or just a product of political necessity? Humala's post-election comments so far are conciliatory. A key milestone in Chile-Peru relations will be the ruling in the International Court over Peru's claims over its maritime border with Chile. Humala says he'll abide by whatever ruling the court makes.

Navy Keeping P-3 Orions Fit

2011-06-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Chile's navy is not necessarily giving up on its P-3 Orion maritime reconnaissance aircraft. An aviation engineering company in New Zealand just conducted an eight-month refit for one of the planes, an indication that Chile plans to keep at least some of the P-3s flying for many years. This came to light with news of trouble during a test flight in New Zealand. According to the company's website, Safe Air has done maintenance work on four Chilean P-3A3 Orions and it calls Chile one of its key maintenance customers. The Navy has plans to replace its P-3 fleet with EADS/CASA C-295 Persuader aircraft, although not immediately. Chile acquired eight Orions from U.S. surplus inventories in 1992-94, according to the SIPRI arms transfers database. Four have been kept for spares, and one was converted into a transport plane, leaving three for maritime patrol. The planes were delivered without most sensors, but in 2003 Chile purchased three AN/APS-115 radars, a standard for the P-3 fleet. The radar searches the sea surface and can detect submarines at shallow depths. Update: A story in Jane's Defence Weekly notes that the P-3 overhauled in New Zealand has more structural damage than expected and will need more work. This has caused the Navy to rethink its plans to extend the service life of its Orions and consider using its options to purchase more C-295s.

Friendly Fire of the Worst Kind

2011-05-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

Protesters angry over a controversial energy project turned their aggression against military units on parade for the traditional May 21 celebrations in Chile. In a shameful ambush, protesters started throwing rocks at naval and army cadets, marching bands and other personnel who clearly have nothing to do with the energy project. HidroAysen is a major dam to be built in an ecologically sensitive area of southern Chile. The May 21 attack followed an incident in which a group of police officers, clearly not equipped for a mob, was attacked with Molotov cocktails and assorted objects, leaving one cop in serious condition (see video). The government temporarily banned the use of tear gas to break up rioters, in response to complaints that the gas may cause health hazards. The ban lasted all of three days, as the government announced that studies found the gas to be perfectly safe.

Report: Chile Acquires Hermes 900 UAVs

2011-05-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Chile has agreed to purchase a number of Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles for its military, according to Flight International. Details are still sketchy. Elbit, the Israeli company that makes the Hermes line of UAVs, declined to confirm the deal. Chile's air force and army went with the Hermes 900 over a rival offer for Israel Aerospace Industries' Heron system, the magazine said. The Hermes 900 is one of the beefier UAVs in the market, in a class similar to the U.S.-built Predator drone. The 900 can operate long-range missions using either direct-link or satellite connections to its ground control station. The all-weather UAV has a maximum payload of 300 kg for missions such as infra-red imaging, laser targeting, communications links and electronic warfare. UPDATE: Elbit will supply ground control stations and various payload systems as part of the deal, according to an Israeli business publication. The main role for the Chilean Hermes 900s will be reconnaissance. Elbit's press release mentions a sale to a Latin American customer.

Military Budget Revamp Sent to Legislature, Again

2011-05-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

President Sebastián Piñera on May 17 sent to Chile's legislature a bill that eliminates the so-called copper law, a funding mechanism that provided the armed forces with billions of dollars from copper sales. In its place, the Ministry of Defense will have a broad 12-year defense-spending budget, subject to revisions under each new four-year presidential administration. Under such long-term strategic plans, the hope is that Chile will reach consensus on military goals. Piñera is basically repeating what former president Michele Bachelet did during her term. Her proposal was never approved. The abandonment of the copper law has its critics. Some believe the timing is bad, given that a leftist politician known for his anti-Chile rhetoric is in a run-off for president of Peru.

Mine Removal Going Slowly

2011-05-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

Defense officials estimate it will take another eight years to remove thousands of land mines that remain near Chile's border with Peru and Bolivia. The arduous task has already been going on for years, ever since Chile signed on the 1997 Ottawa Treaty on eliminating all land mines. Defense Secretary Andrés Allamand said he expect the mine clearing to take eight more years. He acknowledged the task began slowly but added that it has accelerated in the past five years. Last month, the president of the Chilean Senate said 100,000 antipersonnel mines and 150,000 antitank mines remain buried in the desert, plus some unexploded munitions.The mines were planted in northern border area and the far south of Chile in the late 1970s, when Peru and Argentina threatened war. About 150 people have died after stepping on Chilean mines.

A Volunteer Force of Draftees

2011-04-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

While Chile maintains a compulsory military service, the fact of the matter is that all men and women serve voluntarily. That's because there are so many young people eager to enlist, there never is a shortage of recruits. This year, the armed forces have 21,000 applicants -- far more than the 11,000 needed. Among women, 5,600 applied for just 1,000 openings. So commanders can afford to be picky about who gets in the army, navy or air force. Why the love for the military? For one, the armed forces provide training in fields that can translate to civilian jobs. In fact, it's fair to say that Chile's military is the country's largest trade school. The danger of hostilities breaking out with a neighboring country is remote, so no one feels the risk of becoming a casualty. Conscripts are chosen at random from registration rolls, but many enroll themselves. In many cases, they can choose which branch of the military in which to serve (women can enlist only in the army, though they can be officers in all three branches), and even the location of their 12-month military service.

3rd Armored Brigade Open for Business

2011-04-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

The army's 3rd Armored Brigade has inaugurated its new installations in the north of Chile. The base, located about 15 miles north of Antofagasta, ushers in not just a new location but a marked improvement in equipment. Gone are the Leopard 1 tanks. The new backbone of the brigade is a battalion of Leopard 2 tanks and Marder infantry fighting vehicles. On another front, the base marks the latest step in a long reorganization for the army, one in which it is transforming itself from a series of regiments into several self-sustained divisions. Sprawled over 67 acres, the base also serves as a training ground for the brigade. Photos of the armored units were posted on the army's Flicker page.

Anxious Moments for the Generals

2011-04-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Chile's military brass faces the most drastic changes since perhaps 1990, when it relinquished power to an elected government. Cuts to its acquisition budget, greater scrutiny and generally more control by civilian leaders loom for the commanders. A new Council on Military Investments will have oversight over all defense spending. The so-called copper law, which has provided billions for military hardware over the past decade, is set to be replaced by a more modest budget. Some politicians are questioning how long Chilean peacekeeping troops will remain in the Haiti. So under a tense environment, the chiefs of each branch of the armed forces had a face-to-face with new Minister of Defense Andres Allamand. But there was a thaw after a proposal from Allamand. The minister suggested that the armed forces take control of various investigations on questionable deals, but deal with each one effectively, according to accounts of the meeting. Another interesting point in the meeting was Allamand's characterization of future defense spending: "Now, political criteria will have priority." In other words, expect the civilian government to frame Chile's arsenal and military objectives.

Army Abandons Gepard Air Defense System

2011-03-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

Chile's army has given up on the Gepard air-defense system, deciding to return the only four vehicles it ever received. The Gepards -- a self-propelled 35 mm cannon system with tracking and search radars -- were found to be in poor condition, and upgrading them would be too costly, reports said. Chile was supposed to have acquired 30 second-hand Gepards. It took delivery of the first four in October 2008. Reports in Seguranca & Defesa and Intelligence, Defense & Security said the army is focusing on acquiring a U.S.-made air defense system. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced last year an offer for the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control Intelligence System, armed with Avenger missile launchers.

Details Emerge on Leopard 2, Marder Acquisitions

2011-02-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

Chile paid 250,000 euros for each of 60 Leopard 2 tanks it acquired from Germany in 2009, according to a story in the German magazine Der Spiegel. The list price for Leopard 2s is around 3 million euros. But Chile spent 83 million euros on upgrades and repairs for the second-hand tanks. The cost for each Marder infantry fighting vehicle was 50,000 euros, compared to nearly 400,000 euros for a brand new Marder. But these vehicles were not in good shape, Der Spiegel noted. The magazine put the number of Marders purchased at 146, slightly more than the 138 previously reported. While the story mentioned 60 Leopard 2 tanks, the total purchase was for 132 tanks.

Leaked Document Confirms Arms Deals with Israel, U.S.

2011-02-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

A briefing written by staff of the U.S. embassy in Santiago details a number of Chilean defense acquisitions that have never been officially confirmed. The confidential document, released by WikiLeaks, is nearly two years old, but reveals significant purchases and assistance deals. The bullet points:

The air force bought some AGM65 G2 Maverick air-to-ground missiles and GBU 10/12 Paveway laser-guided bombs, which were delivered starting in 2007.
FACH also has bought Derby and Python 4 air-to-air missiles from Israel for F-5 and F-16 fighter jets. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has reported this acquisition, although FACH has never admitted it.
The purchases of Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles plus JDAM systems, already disclosed, are mentioned.
The U.S. offered Chile a pair of surplus KC-135 tanker planes for $42 million. But FACH declined and agreed to buy Airbus A-310 MRTT jets instead. (As it turned out, FACH canceled the Airbus deal and went back to the Pentagon to buy three KC-135 planes.)
Chile's navy ordered the SM-1 missile system for its Type 22 frigate, the Almirante Williams.
The navy wants to upgrade to the SM-2 missile system on its L Class frigates, which currently are equipped with the SM-1.
The KIT-1C MODE IV IFF (a friend-or-foe identification system) was purchased for the Cougar naval helicopters.
Marines have acquired the C2PC Command and Control system, a battlefield visualization software used by the USMC.
The document also discusses potential purchases that have been made public, including the Avenger air-defense system, Sentinel radars and M109A5 self-propelled howitzers.

The embassy staff also praised Chile's commitment and professional conduct of its peacekeeping missions, notably the effort in Haiti. The U.S. has provided some assistance to those forces. "We provided helmets, flak jackets and other accessories, vehicle spare parts, and water purification equipment," the embassy staff wrote. The U.S. also provided 10 Humvees and $1 million to Chile's army to improve English-language proficiency.

The Armed Forces as International Financiers

2011-02-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

A huge fund for weapons acquisitions is no longer in the hands of a defense panel but under the control of Chile's finance ministry. The ministries of defense and finance agreed to the shift in recent weeks in a step toward more transparency in military spending. This followed a series of questionable expenditures. (See previous post.) The funds will be invested abroad in a move that could help keep the Chilean peso lower. Specifically, the military's money will be placed in a portfolio that mirrors Chile's foreign investment fund, which was created to curb inflationary pressures at home. Under a decades-old law, the state-owned copper company, Codelco, transfers 10% of foreign sales to Chile's armed forces for weapons programs. How much is in the fund is secret, but it has been estimated at upwards of $3 billion. Just in the first nine months of 2010, Codelco passed through to the Defense Ministry $866 million. The government, though, is moving to eliminate that funding source and replace it with a general fund.

Investigations Target Military, Ex-Commander

2011-01-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

Chile's armed forces, which generally have kept themselves out of trouble during civilian rule, are facing a series of corruption probes. The alleged misdeeds include trying to buy a $1 million home for the chairman of the joint chiefs, a questionable purchase of a temporary bridge (see earlier post) and nepotism in the air force. The air force is handling accusations that former commander Ricardo Ortega's wife was paid twice for accompanying her husband on trips while also serving as an air force doctor. Also, authorities are checking out a trip to Haiti by Ortega's daughter and a scholarship for his son. Even if the investigations don't result in formal charges, a backlash is already unfolding: Some politicians are pressing the armed forces for greater transparency.

Navy Retires Main Landing Ship

2011-01-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

After 16 years of service in Chile's navy, the 8,775-ton LST Valdivia has been retired. The decommissioning comes as the navy seeks an amphibious assault ship or multirole vessel to replace it. The Valdivia provided a key transportation link with Chilean peacekeeping force in Haiti. It also brought hundreds of tons of relief aid to areas devastated by last year's major earthquake. The ship was built in 1971 and served in the U.S. Navy as the USS San Bernardino until 1995, when it was transferred to Chile. Without the Valdivia, Chile's transport fleet is reduced to four smaller ships displacing 780 to 1,400 tons each.

Defense Chief in Tiff with Transparency Panel

2011-01-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

When last year's earthquake destroyed a bridge in Chile's Bio Bio region, the Defense Ministry pitched in by purchasing a temporary bridge for $16 million from a U.S. company. But a British rival complained that its $14 million bid should have won. So now, a government panel has taken Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet to task over the bridge. Ravinet's response: The bridge was a military purchase, entitled to secrecy, and he doesn't have to say anything about it to the government transparency committee. Ravinet took his argument one step further, threatening that if military acquisitions are laid bare, the armed forces will be reluctant to provide assistance in future natural disasters. While some generals politely disagreed with the minister, Ravinet has backed off a bit. He later said the issue is not the bridge, but keeping confidental the military purchases made with proceeds from the state-owned copper company. The dispute, thus, raises a political question: To what degree can a transparency panel force the military to disclose its bidding and acquisition process? UPDATE: Ravinet resigned on Thursday, Jan. 13. The No. 2 official in the ministry will take over on an interim basis.

Chile's Army and the Need for a New Urban Warfare Doctrine in 2012

2011-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

“Wars tend to draw troops into urban areas. Cities have historically played an important role in military campaigns because roads and rail lines usually intersect in cities, and ports and airfields are frequently located near major metropolitan centers. Movement into a theater through ports and airfields, or within a theater on roads or rail, requires the control of major cities.”

-- Urban Warfare: Options, problems and the future. Daryl G. Press, January 1999 (MIT Security Studies Conference.)

By Jose Miguel Pizarro

It appears that MIT was quite right. Today more than 60 wars are being fought around the world and few of them are between nation states. Ninety percent of these conflicts are between irregular or guerilla forces fighting asymmetrically against traditional or conventional units inside cities, villas and other populated areas. Irregular warfare therefore is irregular not in the sense that it is uncommon (it is exactly the opposite) but in the literal sense that irregular warfare it is against the rules of war. And since these rules of combat are set by formal governments and their military establishments -- to favor their high-tech equipment and doctrine of operations -- irregular warfare is likely to remain the preferred choice for non-state armed groups and others who have nothing to gain from “playing by the rules.” Especially when those rules were specifically designed to crush them and to only favor their adversaries. Kind of logical, right?

Yet to my surprise current Chilean Army doctrine largely ignores the urban environment except within the context of small-scale, platoon- and company-level stability and support operations. Not urban warfare. When it does address it, existing Chilean doctrine primarily examines the tactical level of warfare and presents urban conflict in isolated pamphlets that essentially describe urban warfare as a series of irrelevant squad-unit actions designed to seize individual rooms -- or lightly defended buildings -- in the outskirts of a small villa. It seems to be a side-show designed to capture some “colorful” guerrilla leader purely for PR purposes. Little or no attention is given to the conduct of large-scale land operations on complex urban terrain or to the need for joint and institutional doctrine and the obvious integration requirements associated with it.

Then, why would the army of a modern and wealthy country like Chile ignore this reality?

Between now and the year 2020 the military forces of Chile will almost certainly find themselves involved in combat against one or more of its neighbors. Such involvement will come (initially) in the form of a major conventional conflict but then will gradually evolve into a series of simultaneous campaigns against irregular and guerrilla forces seeking battle inside urban areas. Urban warfare is a deadly business and a growing prospect for future conflicts as global urbanization trends continue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, fighting in the streets is a lucrative tactic for third-world nations and irregular factions who are incapable of fighting more conventionally against a large opponent armed with advanced weaponry and mechanized forces.

Generally, we all know that tanks have a number of characteristics that limit their use in confined areas. Their weaponry is not situated for a close-in fight, particularly to the sides and rear, where they cannot engage targets. The main guns are often too long to traverse fully in narrow streets, and the small vision blocks severely restrict target acquisition. Armor is often thin on the top, flanks, and rear, and extremely thin on the undersides. The latter makes tanks exceptionally vulnerable to mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) so common in a city fight. Therefore, the very design that makes a tank a feared weapon on the open battlefield renders it vulnerable in the close confines of a city. When using this extremely risk-adverse mentality it is no wonder why civilian leaders and military planners want to avoid committing large armor forces to urban battles. But then again, if you think like that, why are we sending dismounted infantry troops into battle? Could some of them get hurt? Instead, why don’t we put every single soldier inside of an armored vehicle and avoid any possible engagement with enemy troops inside urban areas? I know, it is absurd. But absurd is also the decision of the Chilean army not to train and prepare for urban warfare.

The duty of a soldier is to fight the enemy under our terms, use our firepower and technology in a smart way and to deny our opponent the access to urban areas, where he can control the population. Despite all of the previous restrictions, modern armies have successfully employed tanks in cities over the years. That's because despite their potential shortcomings, the tank is still the most effective all-weather weapon system capable of bringing precision heavy ordnance to a target. Meaning? In plain English: That’s a 120mm high explosive (HE) round usually achieving 100% destruction with the first hit and within seconds of acquiring the target. It certainly beats getting into the net and waiting 15 to 30 minutes for the air force to drop a bomb -- usually in the wrong building.

The battle for Fallujah was a fine example of using tanks to support the infantry in the urban fight. By November 2004 the U.S. Marine Corps infantry forces were veteran troops, and although not specifically trained for urban operations, these forces had developed the necessary tactics and skills to attack the fortifications of a guerrilla force entrenched deep inside a city. But remember, this was no ordinary urban battle. The Marine forces faced a formidable adversary equipped with more than 6,000 fighters armed with everything from anti-tank weapons, sniper rifles and AP mines to mortars and rockets. But Marine commanders were lucky. They were leading probably the finest and best trained infantry units in the western world, and within a few days they had a plan to capture the entire city. Tank and mechanized forces were also adept at cooperating with supporting infantry and fire support (i.e; antitank helicopters and 155mm field artillery) at that stage of the war. These combined experiences were quickly and successfully adapted to the city fight. The command and control displayed by the U.S. Marines was methodical, extremely organized but effective in coordinating the battle. The vulnerable M1A1 tanks and the LAVs were effective as long as their infantry support shielded them from the dreaded RPG-7s. The isolation of the guerrilla defenders and the rapid movements of the marine rifle companies disrupted the insurgent defense and hastened the conclusion of the fight for Fallujah. The battle for Fallujah is perhaps the most successful example for the use of heavy armor in an urban environment. Well-led veteran forces were able to crush quickly their opposition by boldly using tanks and IFVs to spearhead the assault. The shock and speed proved great enough to disrupt the enemy defense, which was never able to recover to make a coordinated stand.

Training:

Ideally, the preparation for urban combat begins during peacetime. The need to revolutionize the way the Chilean Army train for urban operations is almost universally acknowledged by younger officers. Accordingly, we need to develop the capability to conduct large-scale, joint urban operations on a scale similar to the exercises conducted at the end of the year during division-level maneuvers. Given the current impracticality of creating several large, realistic urban training facilities for every single division, the army should plan on creating a national training center for urban operations in the north of the country. We should be willing to commit the resources necessary to create a large scale urban training center that uses advanced training technologies to integrate live, rifle-company-level, combat-in-the-cities training with realistic battalion and brigade level exercises under the direction of a joint command and control center. Also, to properly prepare for urban combat in the 21st century the Chilean army must study and truly understand the various scenarios, options, constraints, limitations, legal factors, and city characteristics of each potential battlefield. Political leaders and military planners must remember that each urban operation will be unique and there is simply no standard urban operation as no two cities are alike.

The political challenge:

Political leaders must remember the “remarkable trinity” of Clausewitz’s theory of war and keep in mind that combat in urbanized areas is both costly and time consuming. For Clausewitz the government, the military and the people form a triangular relationship in which all three sides are equally relevant – and in which all three must be kept in balance if war is to succeed. Let’s use the Chilean case for instance.

The Government: (Get smart on modern warfare) In urban warfare the presence of a noncombatant population provides concealment for indigenous combatants or disruptive elements that can seriously restrict the employment of heavy weapons. Whether the mission is one of humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, or combat, urban terrain favors the use of ground forces, especially infantry, because the use of mechanized forces is often politically restricted. A political leader who doesn’t understand the type of war he or she is fighting will allow the enemy to win the war by simply ordering the Chilean army not to enter the cities.

The Military: (Train for the next war… not for the last one) Urbanized terrain tends to complicate the employment of armor, artillery, and close air support. If poorly trained in MOUT operations a modern and well equipped mechanized force like the Chilean army can be easily slaughtered in the streets and alleys of a small town or medium-size city. Poorly equipped, badly trained and lightly armed the logistical units and support columns are especially vulnerable to this type of fight.

The People: (Keep them informed) Moreover, and because of the compartmentalized nature of the terrain, an urban battlefield can absorb much greater numbers of troops than open terrain. In urban warfare combat tends to take place at extremely short range between small units, leading to greater reliance on small-unit leadership and proficiency. As a result, if poorly informed regarding the type of war the army is fighting, the Chilean people could very quickly turn against the war when seeing the numbers of troops being deployed from only 30,000 exploding to more than 120,000 in less than one year. Then, surprise could easily turn to rage if casualties start mounting to 1,000 men or more per month. Especially when the Chilean people were told that this was a short and an easy war.

The Nature of future urban combat:

The past 20 years of urban combat shows that the mobility of tanks and armored vehicles, along with their protective armor, allowed the delivery of their heavy firepower into the fight for the cities. Maintaining mobility is vital to the effectiveness of tanks and to their survival. The obvious tactic is to provide a robust combat engineer effort to clear debris, rubble, and armor hulks, and to eliminate mines and improvised explosives from the paths of advancing armor. The most graphic example of the failure to do so was the Russians in Grozny. Once trapped in the narrow streets, even the advanced T-80 tanks were vulnerable to the simple RPG-7. If stationary, even the most capable tank becomes a pillbox with limited angles of fire in narrow streets and alleys. The fight for Fallujah is a dramatic example of a rapid armored advance that disrupted the enemy's defense and allowed a rapid victory. For the Chilean army an effective means to maintain mobility of its Leopard 2 formations is to disrupt the enemy's fire plan by the application of maneuver, firepower, or obscurants. A high operational tempo would also challenge an enemy's ability to react and engage. These methods require an intimate knowledge of the capabilities of units and weapons on urban terrain. Chilean commanders and staffs must understand the advantages and disadvantages urbanization offers to mechanized formations and its effects on tactical operations. An operation based on maneuver could avoid one based on an attrition strategy and prevent heavy friendly losses. But to reach these conclusions history reminds us that an army requires prior operational experience and years of training.

Logistics… logistics… logistics…

Conducting a high-tempo operation over a sustained period will require a massive logistical effort, particularly in the resupply of ammunition. In a “target-rich environment” like urban combat ammunition goes fast. Fuel is also of great concern, as the consumption rate of the Leopard 2 engines is notoriously high. In some urban battles the attacking force had no such plan and was forced to withdraw tanks from the front lines to refuel and rearm. Just for a few hours. The infantry units fighting their way to the center of the city keenly felt the temporary loss of this combat power. Flexible command and control and an effective intelligence operation are also vital elements in a highly fluid battle for the streets.

Conclusions:

Regardless of our personal feelings, military operations in large cities will continue to be more common as the world urbanizes, and extremely more deadly with the introduction of new fourth-generation weapons. Accordingly, Chilean planners will need to make do with the Leopard 2 tanks, as there is nothing more effective right now in the Chilean inventory to bring precision heavy fire into the cities. Simultaneously, it is unlikely that a single technology or system will emerge in the near future that will dramatically swing the balance to the attacker in the cities. Instead, an effective solution to the urban fight will only be attained through the integration of strategic concepts, doctrine, operational needs, technological advances, force design, and the appropriate organization of command, control, training, and education. There is no doubt in my mind that tanks and armored vehicles will play a vital role in the urban fights of the future. In consequence we need to radically modify the way we train and fight.

However, to do this right and to properly prepare the Chilean army for urban warfare we need to accept that there are no shortcuts, easy rides or “golden bullets”. Chilean army doctrine and combat unit training require addressing a specific set of skills to fight in the cities and urgently define a new doctrine of operations to fight in urban areas that doesn’t even exist in our training manuals. The challenge of this new doctrine? It must also be a doctrine of operations that is flexible enough to adapt quickly to a host of possible urban situations. Considering historical trends, the fight for the streets is often decided at the crew and platoon level. We are talking corporals and second lieutenants. Yet there exist political considerations, legal limitations, infrastructure, and evolving enemy methods that are beyond the ability of the junior Chilean army leaders to research and incorporate into their training and operations. Our duty is to help them during peace time with realistic training but a training process based on a robust doctrine of operations.

Understanding the nature of urban warfare is a difficult task for any army, and the tasks required to sufficiently sustain or support urban combat are enormous. But with one possible exception. All of the examples in modern warfare show mechanized armies attacking cities without extensive training in urban operations. Each of the attacks was ultimately successful, either because of a high degree of skill or experience in small unit tactics or due to a large application of heavy firepower. To bridge the gap between peacetime training and commitment to the battle on the street, the Chilean Army must fully embrace the concept of using armor in urban warfare and prepare accordingly. But they need to do it right now, before it is too late. Remember, the clock of history is ticking.

Mr. Pizarro, 42, is a former Chilean Army artillery officer with an extensive operational background in both the Latin American region and with the U.S. armed forces. He also served in the U.S. Marines and later as a senior security advisor/contractor for four years in the Middle East. Mr. Pizarro also worked for CNN en Español as a military analyst. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family. E-mail: jm.pizarro@chilecompany.com

Chilean Army: Really Modernizing?

2010-12-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is another type of war. New in its intensity, ancient in its origins – war by guerrillas, subversives, assassins; war by ambush instead of by combat. By infiltration, instead of aggression, seeking victory by eroding and exhausting the enemy instead of engaging him… This type of war requires a wholly different kind of force, and therefore a new and wholly different kind of military training.

-- President John F. Kennedy, in remarks to the graduating class, U.S. Military Academy, 1962.

By Jose Miguel Pizarro

The Chilean army is currently in the final phases of completing an historical modernization process that is almost exclusively focused on conventional warfare. Chilean main battle tanks, mechanized formations and heavy artillery provide a false sense of superiority that confuses political decisions -- about the eventual use of force -- with the urgent need to develop a military that is truly prepared for a myriad of asymmetric contingencies. While it is important that the implementation of maneuver warfare with heavy tank formations be subject to critical evaluation, the generalized disregard in the Chilean army on irregular warfare (IW) is flawed and warrants a closer look.

After nearly a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan – between some of the most powerful armies in the world and a group of poorly equipped guerrilla fighters – professional soldiers and military analysts have driven home important lessons that have resulted in the rapid development of new technologies as well as a new sense of appreciation for old ones.

While these lessons have been taken on board -- to a greater or lesser degree by most armies around the globe -- the Chilean army remains largely uninformed and disconnected with these developments. A look at worldwide procurement trends reveals that while the number of main battle tanks in some major armies is falling, the market for lighter armored vehicles such as MRAPs, 8x8 armored personnel carriers, and 4x4 armored security vehicles -- all of them more suited to fighting insurgencies -- has been growing almost out of control for the past 10 years. Likewise, most western armies are now developing some type of soldier system that gives the individual soldier better communications, situational awareness, protection, and increased lethality.

That lethality is increasing at the smaller unit level with a new generation of precision munitions, with GPS-guided artillery rounds for the 155 mm howitzer and with the deployment of precision-guided mortar projectiles and rifle-caliber guided rounds in development. Unmanned vehicles are also becoming more common at the rifle company and platoon levels throughout the U.S. and European forces, with an increasing array of sensors even aboard small, hand-launched UAVs. Surprisingly none of these training, doctrinal or technological developments is being implemented into the regular combat units of the Chilean army. Not even one.

Chilean army generals reject irregular warfare (IW) and counterinsurgency (COIN) because they don’t see the Chilean army embroiled in guerrilla conflicts that will tarnish the reputation of the army as an institution and because they truly believe they will never face a determined enemy wearing the “uniform” of the insurgency. “Why prepare for a war that will never come, Pizarro? We will defeat them in the conventional battlefield with our tanks, they will surrender, sign the peace and we will all go home victorious. There will never be a guerrilla movement strong enough to disrupt army operations.”

I believe this view is misguided. To be prepared for war (for virtually any type of war) is one of the most effective means of preserving peace. For instance, the Chilean army prepared for tank battles with the Peruvian and Argentineans for more than four decades, yet rarely deployed to fight. The system worked because we were never forced to cross the border. This in turn created a self-perceived idea of invincibility that effectively eliminated the need to prepare for any other type of battle. Unfortunately, the Chilean army high command has never considered the possibility that maybe war cannot be avoided, and that in the event the Chilean elected civilian leadership takes the decision to go to war, it is the Chilean army’s responsibility to be prepared to fight in all types of contingencies. The Chilean army cannot prepare only for the war that they hope to or would like to fight. Once begun, a war's character evolves and changes. Even a reasonable expectation that no insurgency or guerrilla force will arise, may in fact be tremendously flawed. The point of counterinsurgency is to counter insurgents -- that is, to fight against those who use terror, violence and fear to undermine the presence of Chilean forces in a foreign land -- both sides fighting to take control of people and territory. This is a type of war that is recurring, consistent and repetitive in the 21st century… whether or not we are comfortable with its character.

Finally, it is the lack of debate that concerns me the most. The Chilean people are convinced they have a robust, modern and highly trained military force ready to win (at least) the wars of the next decade. In fact, they truly believe that once the political decision is taken the military forces being deployed by Santiago are fully prepared to respond and adapt to all kinds of contingencies against the same traditional adversaries they have faced for the past 100 years. As a result, no surprises are expected. Sadly, that’s not true.

To suggest that the Chilean armed forces are ready to cross the northern borders, win the conventional war and then shift to maintain enemy territories under control for several months or even years… is to overstate our true capabilities. And yet that is exactly the kind of operational environment we will be forced to face. Our enemies have choices in war and in the 21st century small enemy organizations have demonstrated an amazing ability to shift the character of armed conflicts in ways that avoid our strengths and take advantage of perceived weaknesses.

The Chilean army is by no means a perfect organization. It certainly has made some mistakes in the past and vowed never to repeat them, but to ignore a whole dimension of war because we wish to, and because some academia geeks believe that certain forms of warfare do not play to our strengths, threatens to replace our duty to prepare for future wars with nothing more than simple wishful thinking. And that’s a mistake history will force us to pay with blood.

Mr. Pizarro, 42, is a former Chilean Army artillery officer with an extensive operational background in both the Latin American region and with the U.S. armed forces. He also served in the U.S. Marines and later as a senior security advisor/contractor for four years in the Middle East. Mr. Pizarro also worked for CNN en Español as a military analyst. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family. E-mail: jm.pizarro@chilecompany.com

Chile Miffed Over Bolivian Army Video

2010-12-19T20:30:00.000-08:00

It's common for armed forces in variuos countries to make videos promoting themselves, showing off their hardware or otherwise engaging in chest-thumping. But one Bolivian army video goes further, alluding to Bolivia's hopes of taking back its coastal territory and daring, "We're wating for you, Chileans." In Chile, officials were miffed and demanded an explanation. Bolivia's army says the video was altered by someone in Brazil.

Cable Discusses 'Myths' of Mapuche Conflict

2010-12-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

The conflict between native Mapuches and Chile's government are "serious and merit attention," but at the same time, the problem is being sensationalized in the Chilean press, says a confidential cable from the U.S. State Department. "Destruction of property -- which accounts for the vast majority of all illegal Mapuche action -- is often displayed in full color and with bold headlines," notes the November 2009 cable, released by Wikileaks. "Moreover, positive or less incendiary news from indigenous communities -- resolution of localized conflicts, peaceful protests, meetings, or other actions taken to address Mapuche political concerns -- are often not covered at all." Quoting a Chilean official, the cable says 27 of 2,100 Mapuche communities are actively in conflict with landowners. A separate cable quoted former Interior Minister Perez Yoma telling the U.S. ambassador on Feb. 6, 2008, of concern about "the potential radicalization of Chile's indigenous population, including funding from foreign terrorist groups and/or Venezuela." Perez Yoma specifically asked for help in "following the money" to track financial sources. The FBI, the cable added, is working with Chilean police "to assist in identification and potential prosecution of actors within Chile." As the cables note, the conflict over ancestral lands is concentrated on a relatively small segment of the Mapuche community. Nonetheless, their activities continue to pose a security risk, even to some not directly involved in the conflict. Vandalism, arson and other crimes have created a threatening and unwelcoming environment that has retarded business development in the Araucania region, now one of the poorest economically in an otherwise vibrant Chile.

Hazing Incident Proving Costly for Air Force

2010-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

It's an air force tradition to celebrate a cadet's first solo flight by stripping him on the tarmac, use sandpaper on the skin and otherwise razz the new aviator. But in one case now under investigation, the hazing got out of hand and the cadet suffered serious injury to his ear. The damage has left him unable to fly and he has left the academy, says a story in El Mostrador. The incident occurred about a year ago, but grew worse lately after the cadet alleged that an officer hacked into emails between the cadet and his attorney. The air force says it's considering disciplinary action. As El Mostrador notes, training a pilot is expensive -- about $2 million for a single F-16 course. Besides the financial cost, this is no time for the air force to lose pilots. The service is desperately trying to keep them from defecting to airline jobs. It is now letting college grads apply to be pilots, without having to go into the air force academy. So the incident gives the air force bad publicity when it can least afford it, and it could have political consequences, too. More of the military budget is coming under legislative control, and bad press such as this doesn't help.

The Day After We Win the War

2010-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

“Like academic military historians, surprise attacks theorists have fallen into the habit of ignoring the central element of War – the fighting. Like some utilitarian historians, and many contemporary observers, they tend to focus on only one level of command, usually the very highest civilian authority, such as the president or prime minister. It is therefore to other analytic traditions or approaches that we must turn in order to learn how to dissect military misfortune.”
-- From “Military Misfortunes. The Anatomy of Failure in War,” by Eliot A. Cohen and John Gooch.

By Jose Miguel Pizarro

Today we are well into an era of nonstop international conflict – a time when the most dangerous adversaries for traditional or conventional armies are in fact irregular forces supported by a constantly changing and seemingly invisible network. Just as the old rules of conventional warfare do not apply in this new environment, neither does the old way of analyzing battlefield intelligence related to these new all-too capable enemies.

The Contemporary Operational Environment (COE) is defined by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as: “a composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of military forces and bear on the decisions of the unit commander.” (Joint Pub 1-02). Yes, I got that. But considering that in the 21st Century the population is now a key unconventional element that adapts to its terrain -- just like any other friendly, neutral or enemy force does -- then my question is: How the local population fits into the new Operational Environment (O.E)? In other words, if more than 90% of all daily combat engagements will be inside urban areas, villages and around thousands of innocent civilians, how is the Chilean Army preparing its troops to fight inside that specific combat scenario? Where is the doctrine to understand this new operational environment?

Believe it or not, many Chilean Army and Air Force generals are convinced that the Peruvian army will order its troops to deploy into a WW2 defensive formation in the middle of the desert. This convenient (and vastly accepted assumption) will comfortably allow the Chilean Army to destroy the Peruvian formations well beyond the horizon and help the Chilean Air Force to safely pursue any surviving units with a series of bomb runs well away from populated areas. But trust me… that it’s not going to happen.

I believe the Chilean army is training today to fight a conventional war of attrition that will never come and using a conventional mentality that it is fundamentally different from the threats and realities of today’s complex asymmetric battlefields in which guerrilla and irregular forces are in fact the main enemies. If Chile ever goes to war, its armed forces will be directed to capture enemy locations -- deep inside enemy territory -- and instructed to maintain those provinces for extended periods of time. But if neighboring countries don’t have tanks, mechanized formations or heavy forces the Chilean army will then quickly capture towns, cities and villages without ever engaging into major conventional battles. This particular scenario will leave between 20,000 to 40,000 Chilean soldiers occupying cities deep in the heart of an enemy nation of which our soldiers and commanders don’t know anything about.

Lots of tanks but very few UAVs and computers
There is a dramatic need – at the brigade level and below – for finer training, institutional doctrine and electronic equipment for targeting individuals instead of tanks, and for gathering accurate data about enemy populations. For instance; What do we know about the Peruvian Army and its relationship with the 15 million-strong Aymara and Quechua Indian community? Will the indigenous people of Alto Huallaga and from the VRAE region support the central government in Lima or instead, be indifferent to a border war with Chile?

The operational environment it is extremely influential in determining the outcomes of military and nonmilitary actions in urban settings. It constantly evolves and in fact constantly morphs into different shapes and characteristics. Within one southern Peruvian city, one can find the intersections and collisions of people, organizations, culture, religious beliefs, attitudes, motives, technology and personal needs that are completely different from another city of similar size in the north or in the jungle regions of the country. Since Chile's adversaries need the support of the population to survive, we must understand the local population to win the war. To grasp the influences that drive behavior, we have to collect data specific to that environment (i.e., city, villa, province, etc.) and we have to smartly keep on collecting that data to keep it updated. Unfortunately, the Chilean Army HQ in Santiago is trying to simply draw a line in the sand and declare that we now have all the relevant data we need on an operational environment like Peru and Bolivia.

The Problem
Times have changed, and the intel community in Santiago must accept that it needs to change accordingly. Conventional operations are those traditional, force-on-force, state-versus-state major combat operations typified by Operation Desert Storm, the first two months of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the tank battles between Egypt and Israel during the Yom Kippur war of 1973. Forces in major combat operations are characterized by mass and a decent degree of predictability. Conventional forces generally operate as formed units or groups such as brigades and regiments, ships and task forces, squadrons, wings and groups and perform within generally accepted parameters and functions. Although irregular forces do not follow those rules, the Chilean army has failed to prepare, train and equip its army to face such an aggressive and elusive enemy.

For the Chilean Army, the terrain of crucial interest in major combat operations is that of the physical environment over which operations are conducted. That’s all. The "local population” are generally an obstacle that will usually not participate in operations and -- it is assumed -- will take what steps they can to quickly vacate combat zones. If anything, they may be a consideration in operation planning as potential obstacles or constraints in force application. Today, the people who are of primary interest for the Chilean intelligence community are the enemy leadership (civilian and military) of the opposing nations. In Santiago they still believe that the opposing president and his government are the ones who historically determine whether their nation fights or falls. While that might be the case with Bolivia, the Peruvian Marine Corps and the Army Special Forces will welcome the opportunity to kill Chilean soldiers by following their historical tradition: “… to grab their assault rifles and backpacks and fight the Chilean Army for decades.” And believe me, they are very good at that.

Every single one of the wars that have characterized the 21st Century lacks the comfortable form and function of conventional conflict. The operating environment today is substantially different from that of the conventional conflicts that characterized the past 60 years. Surprisingly, when you review the order of battle of the Chilean army today, you see the same old force design and rigid formations of the U.S. Army in Korea in 1951. So long as we continue to think in terms of conventional warfare -- as the sole purpose of the army -- we will keep on preparing to fight the wrong war and with the wrong enemy.

Understanding the Human Terrain
Chilean soldiers are trained to observe and report enemy troops and vehicle movements. Chilean doctrine mandates that if a scout patrol spotted four Peruvian BRDM wheeled vehicles or a ZSU tracked vehicle on the move, we will immediately use that information as potential combat indicators. After confirming their presence (on a particular location), we could then apply a general decision-making template that might lead us to determine where the other key elements of that enemy force might be. Once we were reasonably certain of their location, those elements could then be engaged with weapons of mass effect such as cluster bombs, 160 mm artillery barrages or with a pair of F-16s. The problem is that today modern armies are moving away from an era of platform-based tracking to one of tracking individuals. And that is a far more fundamental and relevant concept for the contemporary environment than the much-abused "we are fighting for our country” slogan that is traditionally used in South America to justify mistakes, lack of intellect and sheer incompetence.

Well, so what’s new? The thing we fail to understand is that after the conventional war is over, the real fight will start. In the modern Irregular Warfare (IW) environment, our equivalent combat "indicator" might simply be two men and a taxi loading bags in the trunk. But in all probability they are just two men and a taxi with no supporting doctrinal template that might expose other elements of their force. So what do we do? Stop them? Follow the taxi with a UAV? Disregard the information and keep on looking for armed civilians? What does the doctrine says about this? Oh, I am sorry… I forgot. There is no doctrine for irregular and unconventional warfare in the Chilean Army. To effectively target an adversary force element in an IW conflict, we first need to understand its local environment in all its forms: cultural, physical, intentional, economical, political and informational. That's at least five more aspects than the tactical and operational levels of conventional conflict. In conventional battle, the concerns are: What is it? Where is it? (the physical aspect) and What is it going to do? (the intentional aspect). That’s all. The Chilean Army is very good at identifying the characters in the environment, but not so good at identifying the characteristics. In irregular and unconventional wars, we want to know much more about every aspect of the operational environment. We need to see beyond the obvious and ask our commander for more than the conventional considerations that might relate mostly to cover, concealment and mobility of enemy regiments and vehicles. Really? Why? Well it is quite simple; in irregular warfare (IW) there are no enemy regiments. The only way we can know about these things is to get out there and gather the data with our own troops. The human terrain system scouts and the new intel collectors, the "every soldier a sensor" concept and the data held by host nations and nongovernmental organizations, each contribute to what is a crucial function in the contemporary environment. Unfortunately, consideration for these sources is not considered necessary -- let alone important -- in the Chilean Army current doctrine of operations.

In Chile, the real weakness in this area is not the ability to collect the data but the ability to process it. Our current force design does not include the equipment, the personnel or the means of collection to support the higher resolution necessary in today's environment. Worst, doctrinally speaking we haven't adapted our human intel processing system to either manage the sheer bulk of data now collected or fuse and process it into products that contribute to our tactical commanders with anything other than random tactical gains. In other words, while we may be using this data to get short-term wins, few of these contribute to longer-term and sustainable objectives and measures of success. Even before that, we need to frame the problem and get the questions right so that the answers are not irrelevant. We can't do that either without current relevant data and the technological means to interpret it relative to the environment.

We Chileans pride ourselves with military forces trained for major combat operations and with modern formations capable of handling anything in the spectrum of conflict – from large scale combat operations to low intensity warfare. However, the past 10 years of war on planet Earth would suggest otherwise, showing a clear need for our forces to refocus for a different style of war. Military transformation allows us the flexibility and adaptability to defend ourselves in a changing world. Just as Chilean ingenuity continues to strive to create the overwhelming strategic advantages that we have enjoyed for so long, so will our adversaries continue to search for our asymmetric vulnerabilities. We, in turn, must counter these vulnerabilities with superior intellect, with constant innovation, and with change. Today's challenge is also preparedness — preparedness to deal with a dangerous world filled with a variety of changing threats. And preparedness to respond decisively, if necessary, to aggression against our nation and to our interests.

Multirole Ship Purchase a Done Deal?

2010-12-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

With the Exponaval show in full force, more signs are emerging that Chile is serious about acquiring a multirole ship. Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet said the navy's only major landing ship, which needs about $15 million in repairs, will be retired. A replacement vessel is being sought, he added. The report in El Mercurio de Valparaiso adds that Chile has apparently settled on buying a Foudre-class ship offered by France, rejecting a competing offer from Italy. Meanwhile, the British are making a push at Exponaval as the Royal Navy tries to sell some of the ships being retired under a major cost-cutting program. The carrier HMS Ark Royal, two landing ships and other vessels are now possibitilies for Chile's acquisition. Twenty British companies are taking part in Exponaval, where the theme of this year's show is transport capabilities. A series of natural disasters, including the February earthquake and a volcano eruption before that, has intensified the need for a ship capable of taking vehicles and aid to areas where roads and airfields are scarce. The navy has specified a need for a ship with roll-on, roll-off ramps, with the ability to carry vehicles and supplies. Such a ship would also serve Chile's peacekeeping missions in other countries.

Small Arms, Logistical Equipment in Famae Pipeline

2010-11-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

SAF 200 submachine gun

The army's own munitions and weapons manufacturer, Famae, has introduced a series of new guns, including its latest version of the SIG assault rifle. The SIG 556 follows other rifles made by Switzerland's Sig Sauer that have been built under license in Chile. SIG rifles are standard army issue. Famae is also has introduced a new version of its 9mm submachine gun, a model being called the SAF 200. Projects under development include reinforced bridgelayers, refueling vehicles, a smokescreen system capable of masking 70% of vehicle's infrared signature and a virtual shooting range. The projects are shown at Famae's Web site.

New F-16s Start Arriving

2010-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

The first six of 18 F-16 fighter jets arrived at their new home base on Tuesday, Nov. 9. The jets flew from Holland, refueling in midair and making a stop in the Canary Islands. The F-16s were purchased from Holland, which put the planes up for sale as surplus equipment. All have undergone the mid-life upgrade (MLU) program, which includes updated electronics. Combined with an earlier purchase from Holland, Chile's air force now owns 34 F-16 MLU fighters. All F-16 MLUs are being operated from the Cerro Moreno base near Antofagasta.

Report: 3 Finalists for UAV Deal

2010-11-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

Chile's armed forces have narrowed down their choices for unmanned aerial vehicles to three companies, from an initial group of 13, according to a defense blog. Intelligence, Defense & Security quoted Gen. Cristian Le Dante, head of the joint chiefs of staff, saying three companies made concrete proposals, and a decision will be made by year-end. The general said the systems are for medium- and long-range missions, and are equipped with radar and thermal-imaging technology. The three finalists are not named but all are from Israel, according to sources cited by Intelligence, Defense & Security. The Israeli companies that make such UAVs include Elbit Systems, which developed the Hermes line of long-endurance UAVs; and Israel Aerospace Industries, whose products include the Heron family of strategic UAVs.

Chile's Air Force: Ready for Tomorrow's Wars?

2010-10-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

By Jose Miguel Pizarro

Since the beginning of the Chilean Air Force (FACH) modernization process in the late 1990s, the use of Chilean air power has been guided in the context of large-scale major combat operations. In that type of fight, the current Chilean doctrine (a copy almost word by word of the U.S. Air Force doctrine) does an exceptional job of defining “traditional” roles that unfortunately do not necessarily apply to the realities of South America.

For instance, if Chile goes to war against one or more of its neighbors, traditional air-to-air combat operations will probably last 10 to 14 days. Two weeks -- that’s all. After hunting down every single jet fighter and bombing every operational enemy runway, the Chilean Air Force (FACH) will then realize that the current force design was not well suited for dealing with the new kind of irregular warfare (IW) in which modern air forces find themselves today.

As soon as the FACH realizes that there are no more integrated air defenses to penetrate, that there is no air threat to counter, and no traditional strategic targets left for air power to destroy, our air force generals will be tasked to quickly adapt by giving the best possible support to ground-combat elements. With their armies destroyed and their tanks and bases in flames, Chile's enemies will quickly throw away their uniforms and hide among the population and attempt to take control of certain strategic choke points in the Andes Mountains. As soon as the first guerrilla attacks start killing hundreds of soldiers, the FACH will be then required to counter asymmetric, irregular and hybrid threats for the rest of the campaign. So, and if that’s the most likely scenario for the FACH, then the new operational environment begs the question: To provide Close Air Support (CAS), but with what?

The problem in Chile is that irregular warfare is not viewed as strategically important as traditional warfare is. As with counterinsurgency doctrine, irregular warfare and CAS operations to support this type of fight have generally been neglected in the Chilean armed forces. In its present form, CAS is primarily a reactive and a poorly understood concept that’s rarely practiced in combat drills. As a result, if a Chilean Army company commander wants to destroy a simple target such as an entrenched mortar, a machine-gun nest or a sniper hidden in a building, he needs to call in a $70 million jet (from hundreds of miles away) to do the job of a $5 million turboprop airplane specifically designed for light attacks. As common sense dictates, Chilean ground forces should instead be supported with the right mix of platforms and tactics before they ever come into contact with the enemy. As modern warfare matures, Chilean air power should adapt and quickly equip forces to better match the actual theater requirements it will face in the not so distant battlefields of the next decade.

What’s the problem?
Current Chilean Air Force strike-fighter force design and development seems to be centered exclusively around expensive fourth-generation platforms such as the F-16 Block 50. Again, these aircraft are incredibly capable (and need to be in order to counter high-end threats) but they are not well suited for low-end conflict. So the question remains: What are we going to do after just two weeks of combat operations when there are no more enemy airplanes to shoot down? Switch to provide close air support with F-16s? Sure… but with a price tag of more than $1 million per attack (and with more than 100 calls for fire every day) shouldn’t it make more sense using large numbers of low-cost airplanes specifically designed to attack and destroy ground targets? Make no mistake here -- without a robust CAS capability the Chilean army will be forced to engage every single ambush, firefight and tactical engagement alone. Without close air support the rate of casualties will be at an alarming steady rate of between 30 to 40 men killed and more than 100 seriously injured every 24 hours. With more than 1,000 Chilean soldiers killed and more than 3,000 injured and mutilated every month, the mounting casualties will force the Chilean government to execute a tactical retreat in the middle of a humiliating operational defeat. Mark my words….

The Scenario:
Since the arrival of the new fleet of F-16 fighters, FACH commanders have firmly (and comfortably) stationed themselves at very modern air force bases in Iquique and Antofagasta with the idea of providing a distant air power service in support of Chilean Army ground forces fighting in Peru and Bolivia. Although highly capable and effective, these F-16 aircraft must transit hundreds of miles and burn thousands of pounds of fuel (from Chilean Air Force tankers) to loiter in theater for a precious few minutes before flying all the way back to their bases for recovery and re-arming. Air power by its very nature is extremely flexible, yes, but its recent implementation in Chile has not been.

The solution:
The Chilean Air Force must embrace a more soldier-focused, joint air-and-ground approach while simultaneously balancing requirements for the current needs of irregular warfare. This requires the expert use of measured air power in the form of timely close air support and precision strikes against everyday targets such as snipers, machine-gun nests and fortified positions inside urban areas. If we want to save lives we are not going to send 100 soldiers to kill a single sniper inside a building. A well coordinated Army-Air Force team will get a forward air controller on the net and ensure that within 4 to 12 minutes a laser-guided bomb is dropped inside that specific building. But when fighting inside an urban area we need to keep in mind that calls for CAS will be required at a rate of 1 every 10 minutes. Accordingly, we should not overlook the development of low-cost CAS platforms that fit the intensive requirements of Close Air Support (CAS) in a much more economical and effective way.

The Colombian Air Force approach:
Today the Colombian Air Force (FAC) is flying a small fleet of 25 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano turboprops designed for light attack, counter insurgency (COIN) and pilot training missions. Incorporating modern avionics and weapons systems, these aircraft have the ability to provide a tough, survivable counterinsurgency platform with long loiter times and large ordnance loads. Then, thinking that Chilean warplanes might need to operate from forward operating bases or expeditionary airfields deep inside enemy territory, the Tucanos bring a robust weapon system -- with a long range and autonomy -- that is able to operate night and day, in any weather, and able to land on short airfields lacking advanced infrastructure. The Colombian Air Force pioneered the concept of irregular warfare direct support to soldiers on the ground by developing a new Latin American doctrine of operations, capabilities, tactics, and costs that are in fact smartly matching the mission they currently support. In 2008, the FAC used a Super Tucano armed with "Griffin laser guided bombs" inside Ecuadorian airspace during "Operation Phoenix," destroying a guerrilla cell, 20 FARC terrorists and killing the second-in-command, Raul Reyes. While the entire operation was conducted at night, not a single Colombian soldier was injured.

Conclusions:
It truly makes no sense using high-tech, extremely expensive $70 million F-16 fighters to kill a four-man patrol of enemy infantry running away from an ambush site at night -- especially when you can employ lower-cost, lower-tech aircraft armed with rockets and machine guns and equipped with advanced night vision systems. The concept makes even more sense if Chile can deploy large quantities of these airplanes and allow them to be used by the Chilean Army -- on hundreds of missions every day -- to achieve total battlefield superiority. Before it is too late, the Chilean Air Force should immediately acquire, integrate and weaponize a small fleet of 60 to 80 modern light-attack and reconnaissance aircraft to provide ground attack capabilities similar to those lost after the purchase of the new fleet of F-16s. These "new" light attack aircraft should be capable of operating from austere locations (such as enemy highways or secondary roads) providing ISR and joint-fire support from a low-cost, highly reliable platform built to integrate seamlessly with current Chilean Army and Air Force command-and-control systems.

Their footprint must be small enough not to necessitate major infrastructure improvements or unduly burden existing logistics systems. For instance, and if we ignore these recommendations and we just simply decide to use our fleet of F-16 fighters to go after single enemy vehicles, infantry positions or small, isolated command posts, then the operational tempo will quickly exhaust expensive fighter and tanker life spans at an alarming rate. Within two weeks, there would be no F-16s available to fly in support missions. A less-expensive light-attack platform would dramatically reduce the operational strain on the fighter fleet by replacing the F-16s on tactical CAS missions or by augmenting existing air power assets as needed. For example, and from a logistical standpoint of cost and readiness, the fuel used by a single F-16 in one hour equals more than 40 hours of flight time in a single-engine light-attack/armed reconnaissance aircraft.

Normally, platform acquisition requires long lead times. But in the case of light-attack aircraft, no research-and-development or technology-based delays will slow down the acquisition process. These types of aircraft are already fielded by a number of commercial manufacturers and more than 50 of them are already in service with the Chilean Navy and Air Force in pilot-training roles. Finally, manufacturers are standing by for the call to produce badly needed light-attack aircraft. All of this makes a compelling case: This capability is what the Chilean Army-Air Force team needs to reshape air power for irregular warfare -- and on our next war, close air support will be the name of the game

Mr. Pizarro, 42, is a former Chilean Army artillery officer with an extensive operational background in both the Latin American region and U.S. armed forces. He also served in the U.S. Marines and later as a senior security advisor/contractor for four years in the Middle East. He also worked for CNN en Español as a military analyst. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family. E-mail: jm.pizarro@chilecompany.com

UAVs Donated As Decision Nears on Contracts

2010-10-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Chile's army has acquired its first unmanned aerial vehicles -- a pair of Skylark aircraft donated by Israel Aircraft Industries. The gift comes as Chilean military authories draw closer to a decision on UAV acquisitions that could result in three or four contracts by the end of the year, according to an article in Milenio. The Skylark 1 LE mini-UAV can stay aloft for 3 hours, and has a range of 15 km. Its payload includes day and night cameras. A few companies in Chile have worked with universities or the military to develop UAV projects. These are modest projects, aimed primarily at commercial uses. For example, IDETEC built a mini UAV called the Stardust. Universidad de Concepcion has been working on a larger UAV with the army. Chile's air force developed its own UAV prototype but it has not been put into service.

Navy, Asmar Share Limelight of Mine Rescue

2010-10-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Among the many organizations and companies deserving credit for the historic rescue of 33 trapped miners in Chile is the country's navy. Engineers at the navy's Asmar shipyard designed the Phoenix capsules that were used to hoist the miners out. NASA provided technical assistance the engineers used to design the pods. Aside from a minor glitch with the door, the capsule made 39 round trips (including the six rescuers) to the half-mile depths with no problems. Two backup capsules were not used. Two of the six rescuers who were sent underground were from the navy's special forces: Sgt. Roberto Rios and Cpl. Patricio Roblero. On the surface, Capt. Andres Llanera was an attending physician, and Sgt. Christian Bugueno was one of the nurses. They were part of Naval Task Force 33, no doubt a reference to the 33 miners.

Air Force Taking Control of Dutch F-16s

2010-10-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Holland is transferring ownership of 18 used F-16 fighter jets to Chile on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The change starts a refurbishment process in which the warplanes will get software updates and otherwise be adapted for use by the FACH. Meanwhile, dozens of Chilean technicians will be trained. Deliveries are set to start at year-end, with the arrival of the first three planes. The $270 million acquisition gives the FACH a total of 44 F-16s, including the 10 Block 50 samples purchased new from the U.S in 2002. The Dutch aircraft have undergone the mid-life upgrade (MLU). UPI quoted analysts who believe the F-16s will be armed with the Python 4 and Derby missiles -- two of the most advanced air-to-air weapons. Both are made by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Even before the latest acquisition, Chile's air power was tops in Latin America, rivaled perhaps only by Venezuela's SU-30MK jets.

A Peek at Army Equipment

2010-09-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

The army rolled out its trophy hardware for the bicentennial parade Sept. 19, including the recently added Leopard II tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles and M-109 self-propelled guns. It was the first time that the annual armed forces parade exhibits armor since Gen. Augusto Pinochet's final parade. More interesting are the pictures of the army's small arms (which get little attention in the press) that are showing up on Chilean bulletin boards. One board shows the Mini-Hecate .338, a sniper rifle made in France, the AT-4 shoulder fired antitank weapon and the M-4 Panther carbine. The Mini-Hecate (at right), also known as the PGM .338, has a range of 1,400 meters. It is a bolt-action rifle, as most sniper rifles are.

Report: Chile Considers AEW Options

2010-09-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Chile's air force is evaluating three options for a new airborne early warning system (AEW), according to a report in Enfoque Estrategico. All three involve turboprop platforms: the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye, the SAAB 2000 AEW&C and a third alternative that would incorporate SAAB's ERIEYE airborne radar to C-295 aircraft made by Airbus. The air force is seeking to replace its lone Condor AEW airplane, a Phalcon system built by Israeli Aerospace Industries and Elta Electronics on a Boeing 707 platform. The report echoes chatter about an AEW acquisition. Enfoque Estrategico, by the way, is probably the most valuable Web site for South American military news.

Hopeful Signs for Struggling Aircraft Company

2010-09-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

After years of sluggish business, the air force's aerospace company is landing some big contracts. Enaer signed a $100 million, 10-year contract in August to provide parts for Embraer's Phenom and Legacy business jets. Enaer later won a contract worth up to $700 million over 10 years when it joined a strategic alliance with Embraer to develop and build the new KC-390 transport-tanker. The deals should help Enaer (owned and managed by FACH) emerge from its long slump. It should also result in an order by Chile's air force for about a half-dozen planes. The company last year booked a mere $35 million in sales as it got by on its core aircraft-maintenance business and some aircraft parts. Meanwhile, the company landed a contract to repair Uruguay's C-130 Hercules planes, and in March was authorized to upgrade equipment in the Chilean air force's F-16 fighters. Enaer is also trying to revive its Pillan basic trainer program. The manufacturer has unveiled plans for a new model with all-digital displays.

Does Multirole Ship Make Sense for Chile?

2010-08-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

In a sign that Chile is getting serious about acquiring a multi-role ship, the navy is entertaining offers from France and Italy. France is offering to sell the Siroco, a 12,000-ton ship, according to reports. France's DCNS, meanwhile, is proposing to build a new Mistral-class multirole vessel. That option that no doubt would be more costly, but the navy has expressed interest in such a project. Italy is trying to sell Chile two San Giorgio-class vessels built in the late 1980s. Chile's navy is still dusting itself off from the major 8.8-magnitude earthquake in February, which seriously damaged some naval facilities. But the disaster also underscored the need for ships that can move rescue and relief materials to ports or shores. Chile's unsual geography makes the country vulnerable to earthquakes or volano eruptions that can cut off the major north-south highways. At the same time, most cities and towns are within a reasonable drive of the coast, which makes it feasible for multirole ships to carry major loads to afflicted areas. Such vessels also would support peacekeeping operations, with the capacity to move a battalion-sized force and helicopters to distant locations. A multirole ship, however, would not be an aircraft carrier. Multirole ships are designed to carry a handful of helicopters, not carrier-borne fighter jets. In a pinch, a vertical take-off jet could use one of these ships. But Chile has no plans to acquire any.

FARC Linked to Mapuche Extremists, Communists

2010-08-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Colombian rebel group FARC is training Mapuche radical activists in Chile, officials in Colombia have warned. FARC's involvement goes back to 2001, and evidence show their tactics being adopted by Mapuche extremists. Moreover, several communist party leaders in Chile have ties with FARC, the dossier from Colombia says. The communist leaders admitted their involvement, though they maintain the connections are purely political. That caused an uproar, and President Sebastian Pinera said anyone with ties to the terrorist organization owes the country explanations. For years, Mapuche radicals have mounted a campaign of violence that includes setting fire to ranches and trucks and taking over lands. Their activities pose one of the largest security problems in Chile. Their cause: reclaiming ancestral lands taken in the 1980s. Mapuches have denied any links to FARC.

Chile, Peru Seek Agreement on Arms Deals

2010-08-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Chile and Peru, which have been at odds over their borders and Chile's military spending, are cooperating on a joint agreement on weapons acquisitions. The two governments would disclose weapons programs to each other and set agreements on their defense purchases under a diplomatic effort now underway. Last month, the defense ministers of both nations met in July in the first step toward such an agreement. They are to meet again this month in Lima. The pact would be similar to one Chile already has with Argentina. Peru has repeatedly complained about Chile's arms modernization over the past decade. Economic difficulties forced Peru to cut back its defense budget, and only in recent years has begun to upgrade its forces. In 2008, it filed a case in the World Court seeking to expand its territorial waters into areas that today belong to Chile.

Air Defense Command, Control System Sought

2010-07-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

Chile is seeking to buy an air defense command and control system from the U.S., the Defense Security Cooperation Agency reported. The $105 million acquisition includes radio equipment, such as the jam-resistant Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) Radio Transmitters. The umbrella of the system is the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Command and Control system, which tracks aircraft and UAVs, identifying friend or foe, to provide situational awareness for air defense crews. The system works with the Avenger mobile missile system -- another possible Chilean acquisition from the U.S. FAAD would be used to protect the army's valuable armor brigades. Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet told El Mercurio the government is reviewing the acquistion, as well as a separate air defense system for the air force. Both could be finalized next year.

Chile’s Military Modernization Process: Still Solving Complicated Issues

2010-07-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

In this Q&A with a Chilean defense analyst, we look into strategic scenarios the country faces and how well prepared it is for those situation. Here are views on those topics written by Jose Miguel Pizarro.

What have Chile's armed forces learned from the Feb. 27 earthquake? Did they have enough aircraft, ships and other equipment to handle the massive aid and rescue efforts?

I believe the Chilean Armed Forces are now learning how to think strategically. Historically the Chilean military was used to operate and deal with small- and medium-scale emergencies at the county or provincial level. They were not trained nor equipped to engage an incident response that rapidly escalated into an historical strategic event. Administratively speaking and prior to Feb. 27, each of the services operated somewhat independently and not in a coordinated fashion for emergency response in support of civil authorities. Also -- and because there was no defined chain of command or a true active and standing Joint Command relationship between the other services -- it was truly problematic to get the entire Ministry of Defense moving in the same direction. (Especially in the middle of a weekend night in a country that is more than 4,300 kilometers long) What I now understand is that the military is creating a Joint Forces Headquarters that will design the appropriate protocol -- and the command relationships -- with regional and government authorities that will allow the Chilean Armed Forces to effectively support civil authority in the event of a massive catastrophe.

Now, and in terms of aviation resources, I am afraid you are absolutely right. The Chilean armed forces lack the tactical lift capability required for contingency operations at the national or strategic level. If this Joint Forces Headquarters is ever activated, it will certainly need to be equipped with material resources and maneuver elements that we currently don’t have. For a country with recurrent catastrophic earthquakes every 20 or 30 years, what we really need the most are -- at the very least -- several hospital ships to support thousands of citizens living in the southern islands, 80 medium-lift helicopters, 40 expeditionary hospitals, 20 additional C-130 transport aircraft and eight mechanized engineer battalions with heavy equipment to replace and rebuild and average of 100 bridges that are usually destroyed in a massive earthquake. To plan on facing the next massive earthquake in Chile with anything less than that is simply unrealistic.

The possibility of war between Chile and any of its neighbors seems remote. What is a more likely conflict in which Chilean forces might see themselves engaged in?

For all practical purposes -- and in terms of economic power, energy supplies and survival -- Chile is in fact an island. Chile is probably one of the few countries in the world that doesn’t produce a single barrel of oil or gas and a nation that completely depends on foreign imports to satisfy more than 90% of its daily energy requirements. In fact, and without any oil reserves and lacking the weekly arrival of tanker ships from distant places like Angola, Turkey and Nigeria, the country could – in just a matter of months – stop functioning as a fully coherent society. If a crisis like that is to last an entire year without the immediate re-establishment of significant oil supplies, the country could slowly disappear from the Latin American map as a nation state.

Despite popular fantasy, there is not a lot of oil left to be found. Much of what remains is of a lesser quality, tremendously more expensive to refine and dispersed around the world in smaller reservoirs located in extremely adverse terrain or in unstable countries. My views are not designed to reflect any political philosophy but to simply present facts and basic high-school mathematics. Numbers are impersonal and apolitical. Oil demand has growth to unprecedented levels and world production is no longer able to satisfy the demand. With roughly 800 million internal combustion-powered vehicles on the planet (i.e; cars, buses, trucks, cargo ships and passenger planes) and with no alternative energy systems that can replace current levels of consumption, confrontation, war and regional collapse are simply inevitable.

Today the planet is being strangled by two gigantic hands. On one hand is an exponentially surging rise in human population with a desperate need for food, energy, goods and basic services. The other hand is an alarming and rapidly declining supply of cheap, affordable energy to power our cities, houses, buses, industries, etc. and, in general, a frightening lack of everything that is required to sustain a work force able to produce food. To further sustain this theory, on April 11, 2010 the U.S. military has warned that surplus oil production capacity could disappear within two years, and there could be serious worldwide shortages of oil and gas by 2015 with a significant economic and political impact. This energy crisis will be triggered in the year 2012 with record level prices that are now predicted to soon top $100 a barrel. Once it reaches the $100 mark -- for more than 12 months -- that number will never scale back. Ever.

While it is not easy to predict what specific economic, political, and strategic effects such a shortfall might produce in an oil-dependent country like Chile, it is surely easy to predict that a catastrophic event like this will immediately reduce the prospects for growth, infuriate the Chilean population and force the government to face the wrath of millions of citizens who will then understand that they have been misled. While I can’t elaborate on how the rest of the world would react, at least in Latin America such an economic slowdown would exacerbate other unresolved border tensions, push fragile and failing states further down the path toward collapse, and perhaps have serious economic and military impact on both; Chile and its three neighbors. Mark my words.

If Chile faces the possibility of fighting an asymmetrical conflict, how prepared are its armed forces for such a fight?

The only kind of war Chile will face in the 21st century is one where asymmetrical conflict and irregular warfare will take center stage. Traditionally, and when a significant disparity in power exists between two opposing forces (in terms of firepower, advanced technology and numbers) the smaller actor usually has two choices: surrender or die. However, with the significant advantages in C4I technology and the low cost of certain tactical weapons and communications systems, a motivated “die hard” enemy may choose a third option: To resist (for many years) by waging guerrilla warfare. While asymmetric warfare is as old tactic of war, it has only recently garnered great political and military attention as a result of the events in the mountains of Afghanistan and the urban areas of Iraq. Broadly defined, irregular warfare is the ability of a small military power to use its tactical strengths against an opponent’s weaknesses to gain a temporary advantage. Unfortunately, asymmetric warfare is often viewed by South American generals -- and by senior politicians -- as something quite “irrelevant” that only needs to be faced with a “platoon of ninjas” dressed with black pajamas. It is precisely for that reason that I am now being forced to stress the dangers we are facing here. Today, irregular warfare it is still poorly understood by the army and not yet perceived as a mortal threat that should be immediately addressed at both the strategic and institutional level.

Successful asymmetric warfare commanders (such as the Sendero Luminoso platoon leaders in Peru) will generally seek a major psychological impact, such as shock or confusion (usually a large-scale massacre) that can effectively disrupt the army‘s initiative, freedom of action, or will to fight. In the mountains and urban terrains of South America, irregular warfare advocates will often employ innovative, nontraditional tactics, weapons, or technologies. But remember, those “hit and run” tactics can and will be applied with tremendous aggressiveness and surprise at all levels of warfare -- strategic, operational, and tactical -- and across the entire spectrum of military operations. Asymmetric Warfare has only one rule: “There are no rules.”

Following the same “tragic logic” of those armies that stubbornly prepare for the last war, the Chilean armed forces are slowly (and only recently) taking their first steps toward truly understanding this new threat. Accordingly, and while its mechanized infantry units are now reluctantly walking away from some of their traditional desert warfare training mentality (and learning how to fight and kill an enemy entrenched in the treacherous terrain of the Andes Mountains), the high command is making slow progress on teaching them how to fight the next war. By that I mean to train them on how to fight with an entire mechanized brigade inside urban areas or how to destroy an elusive and agile enemy that dominates a high-altitude jungle region. Both scenarios truly represent -- in my humble opinion -- the most likely battlefields where we will find the Chilean armed forces fighting within the next decade. The name of the game here is "how" to operate with a traditional army in jungle and mountain areas at more than 10,000 feet; how to fight in small villages and on big cities and comfortably embrace full-scale urban combat operations, etc., and for that, believe me, Chile is simply not prepared.

Chile's army now has advanced tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and mechanized artillery. Do you see any major gaps in its ground forces?

Today, the two major gaps of the Chilean army are the absence of a modern fully integrated doctrine of operations and the complete absence of a logistical culture to sustain modern warfare. Purchasing the tanks was the easy part. Developing an operational force design and a modular force structure capable of operating in a wide variety of battlefield scenarios (desert, mountains and urban areas) with the appropriate logistic support (i.e., fuel and ammo trucks, heavy lift helicopters, medical evacuation support, etc.) are the true and very real Achilles heels of Chile's land forces. So yes, we may have the armor brigades we always dreamed about but – unfortunately – we lack the entire logistical support structure required to sustain high-tempo combat operations for more than two weeks.

While the Chilean army is by far the most advanced military force in Latin America their doctrine of operations and field equipment still reflect a European design of the early 1980s. Despite the fact that in its next war the Chilean army will not be facing a mechanized enemy, not even the reality of the disastrous order of battle of all neighboring countries failed to shake the army’s fundamental faith in mechanized desert warfare and massive firepower. In Santiago, the General Staff of the Army turned its back on the past 30 years of modern warfare and returned to the post-World War II doctrines of sustained heavy combat as the primary focus of the army. Traditional mechanized warfare on open desert was – in their view – the “logical future.”

In their expert opinion, “messy engagements” like the 10-year war in Afghanistan or the 7-year war in Iraq (with over 1 million soldiers engaged in combat operations against an asymmetric enemy) were simply an exception to the rule and nothing more than an aberration. And believe me, in Chile there was little patience for those who said otherwise. Since 1990 -- and over the following years -- several military conflicts other than conventional war (MOTW) rose again and again in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Russia and in the Middle East. However, the Chilean Army -- and for that matter the entire Chilean defense community -- resolutely avoided making these events an important part of its doctrine of operations.

Civilian commentators that lack a robust military background are usually poor military advisors. To truly understand the traditional Chilean army way of thinking you need to be both: an army officer (active or former) and a consistent professional student of modern warfare. If the so-called students also have some field experience, even better. Historically, the difference between the Chilean army and the other armed forces of Latin America was not merely technological but also due to important and dramatic changes in personnel recruitment policies, doctrine of operations and training methods. While in the rest of the region serving in the army was considered a punishment -- or a last resort to escape from starvation -- military service in Chile was perceived as a social and an intellectual privilege. Well educated middle class kids wanted to serve as NCOs in the infantry, or as technical sergeants in the Air Force, all while upper class youngsters wanted to serve as armor, artillery or cavalry officers. And that was a sharp contrast with neighboring countries. Between 1910 and 1950 names like Schneider, Von Chrismar, Nielsen, Von Haggen and Zimmerman were common last names in the Chilean officer corps. After World War II, the German influence reached its highest point and in so doing, they solidified the idea of an “active defense” mentality. This new line of thought quickly developed into a new doctrine of operations that advocated the employment of heavy armored forces (against three simultaneous adversaries) as the new army’s central methodology. Nonetheless, decades will pass before these ideas could be fully implemented.

Then, a shocking new reality between 1960 to 1973 forced the Chilean Army to cancel almost every single modernization plan. During that time soldiers were instructed to spend much of their time on routine cleaning duties at their barracks, peeling potatoes or painting rocks. Their military skill training was only episodic and often lacking any specific combat orientation. Then, in the late 1980s they started to spent most of their time soldiering. By mid-1990 the Chilean Army began a revolution in training and leader development called Plan Alcazar that touched almost every aspect of the way the army prepared for war. By 2001, and after replacing all conscript soldiers with professional soldiers, army commanders were determined to create training conditions that approximated actual battlefield scenarios as closely as possible. The idea was “if you lost there – at the national training center -- you then learned better how to win in combat”.

Unfortunately, the Chilean army high command is currently led by a generation of officers that graduated from the Military Academy and joined the army in the early 1970s. They not only witnessed the Vietnam war drama on TV but also served as lieutenants and captains during the 17 years of the military government, thus bringing with them an enduring lesson that would influence an entire generation of soldiers and politicians: casualty and scandal aversion. Long guerrilla wars would generate unacceptable numbers of casualties and create widespread public opposition against the Army. Successful wars, on the other hand, had to be short, extremely violent against enemy formations, activated with massive firepower and with minimal casualties on our side. Accordingly, mechanized warfare against a predictable and traditional enemy (that will conveniently “line up” their forces in an open desert to be methodically destroyed) was the preferred doctrine of operations and the only truly decisive form of warfare the Chilean high command wanted to see in the 21st century.

The problem we have now is that when we go to battle next time, the deserts and the great plains of the north will be empty. Not a soul will be there. Our enemies will be waiting for us inside of their cities, behind every corner and window, on the sides of every dirt road inside their country and behind every single rock of the Andes mountains. And for that, Chile is not yet prepared.

Mr. Pizarro, 42, is a former Chilean army artillery officer with an extensive operational background with both the Latin American region and with U.S. armed forces. For the past 20 years he has developed a network of working relationships with key members of the Latin American defense community as well as with a wide variety of defense agencies. Mr. Pizarro served in the U.S. Marines and later as a Senior Security advisor / contractor for four years in the Middle East. He also worked for CNN en Espanol as a military analyst. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family.

Reconstruction, Police Expenses Highlight Yearly Plan

2010-07-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Chile is setting aside $446 million to rebuild the earthquake-ravaged Asmar shipyard and Talcahuano naval base. That's one of the largest items in an annual program outline provided by the government. The funds for those navy projects will come from the so-called copper law, which earmarks a portion of sales from the state-owned copper company for defense acquisitions. Also, some $1.7 million will be spent to fix or rebuild police stations and jails, which will mean postponing other infrastructure programs for the Carabineros. Other noteworthy items in the budget: A joint-forces exercise on disaster response; a command and control system for the army; upgrades to the two Type 209 submarines; upgrades to the Cougar naval helicopers; night-flying training for the air force; and beefing up police forces. Chile is going ahead with multinational training exercises, such as Panamax and Cruzex.

NASAMS Chosen for Air Defense

2010-06-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

Chile's air force has agreed to acquire Norway's NASAMS medium-range air defense system, according to various reports. The system uses U.S.-made AMRAAM missiles, which are fired from a six-missile container and controlled by a 3D radar. Chile decided on NASAMS because of its reliability and frequent upgrades to the AMRAAM, normally used as an air-to-air weapon. Co-developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg, NASAMS can attack as many as 72 targets simulteneously, including aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles. An initial $100 million order will pay for three batteries, says Enfoque Estrategico. NASAMS will be the deepest layer in Chile's air defense system. The army has acquired Gepard anti-aircraft artillery systems, and an acquisition of Avenger short-range missile systems and Sentinel radars is being sought. UPDATE: Chile's Defense Ministry denied that the NASAMS system was being purchased. Rather, it is being evaluated by the air force, the ministry said.

Chile Cedes Helicopters to Peru

2010-06-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

In a symbol of rapprochement with its historic rival, Chile is delaying delivery of Russian-made helicopters, yielding the batch to Peru. The government of Peru has an urgent need for helicopters to fight drug operations in the country's jungle. Although it meant postponing its own acquisition, Chile agreed to let Peru jump ahead in the delivery schedule so it could get the five Mi-17 helicopters sooner. Peruvian officials thanked Chile for the decision -- a gesture of good will as both nations prepare a World Court case over their ocean boundaries. "The least we can do is recognize this gesture of friendship, generosity and selflessness," said Peruvian Defense Minister Rafael Rey. It demonstrates Chile's desire to improve relations with Peru, Rey added. The massive Feb. 27 earthquake in Chile underscored the need for helicopters and transport aircraft. Along those lines, Chile has set aside $10 million for a modest upgrade for its three C-130 Hercules planes. Each will be installed with multifunction displays, Flightglobal reported. The work will be done by Chile's Enaer.

Analyst Examines Chile's Naval Air Power Needs

2010-06-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

This blog entry was provided by Jose Miguel Pizarro, a Latin America defense analyst. Mr. Pizarro is CEO of Chile Company Consulting Group and is Senior Latin American Advisor for Business Intelligence / Strategic Risk Consultant for GardaWorld. He has worked for CNN en Español as an analyst. His resume also includes experience in private security operations in Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait.

By Jose Miguel Pizarro
Those familiar with the business world recognize the use of a common vision to stretch the imagination of a corporation, create new expectations and cause a sense of urgency for the proposed changes. Once the goals and the strategic vision are set, the direct involvement between potential suppliers and the leaders of the organization seeking the changes is one of the first steps toward information exchange and cooperation. Kind of the "be there, make it happen" new business style.

This might be the case of Chilean naval aviation. Of all South American nations, Chile -- along with Brazil -- is the one with the most urgent and obvious need for an aircraft carrier and embarked fighter squadrons. The increasingly active involvement of the Chilean Navy in international naval exercises such as RIMPAC (in which Japan, Australia, Canada, the U.S. and other nations participate) is a clear sign that change might be under way. However, the strict discipline of the Chilean Navy officer corps means its leaders and pilots are not publicly aggressive as they should be in seeking their new requirements. Chile is traditionally Latin America's major sea power. Although it lost its position of quantitative supremacy to Brazil late in the 20th Century, today it ranks second in terms of size and firepower among regional navies. Technologically speaking, the Chilean Navy remains unmatched on a qualitative basis throughout Latin America.

Chilean thinkers such as Daniel Prieto Vial (a defense consultant) view the future of strategic environments revealing danger and opportunity. Danger - chaos in the littoral waters - is characterized by myriad clashes of national aspirations, religious intolerance and ethnic hatred. Unfortunately, today more than 75% of the Chilean economy depends largely of the safe arrival of cargo ships to international ports (not to mention the total dependence on the timely arrival of foreign oil). Failure to accomplish the above may well threaten the very existence of the nation. Opportunity for future enemies arises from advances in information management, battlefield mobility and the lethality of conventional weaponry in unconventional warfare. Such changes in the operational environment (already in use by some unstable and aggressive nations) representing both new threats and enhanced capabilities for piracy, sea crime, commercial area denial, etc., raise many questions regarding how the Chilean government prepares its naval forces.

I would like to briefly outline plans for future equipment and to give an indication of past and present lessons from around the world to "uncover" the striking need in this nation for modern naval air power. In Chile, the Navy needs AV-8B Harriers, and it is looking for a way to get them. The recent disbanding of Harrier squadrons in England could well be an attractive opportunity for Chile. But since there are no official government plans to acquire naval fighters, some external help might be necessary to convince legislators of the need for such equipment to properly protect the economic future and commercial sea lanes.

The modern strategic environment in international waters is one of regional rather than global crises with intra-regional conflicts (revolutions, terrorism, civil war, guerrillas, piracy, etc.) quickly replacing more traditional inter-regional conflicts. Advanced navies such as England's, Italy's and Spain's have recognized this shift and the increased need to counter potential economic threats with military force. As we are all learning in the 21st century, you can no longer keep dealing with criminal and terrorist organizations as if they were traditional nation states. Negotiating with them should not be an option.

Modern navies have demonstrated that embarked aviation has much to offer to help preserve and strengthen international security in the difficult and uncertain circumstances of our world today. However, from a local perspective, it is important to note that within the generation of current legislators in Chile, there is not a single member ever to have served in the armed forces. Therefore, their views and understanding of international conflicts and threats is at best quite limited. To them, the acquisition of new and costly weapon systems for the navy is not a major priority. We recognize that economic problems and funding will be major issues before acquiring a small aircraft carrier, but pursuing the acquisition of a modest embarked fighter force should not. Since Harriers can take off and land from small ships, the Chilean Navy can take them on board its frigates and destroyers, adding tremendous firepower, tactical mobility and playing a major role in the activation of a fighter force ready to protect its economic interest beyond territorial waters.

This alternative offers an advantage when an enemy has the capability to operate fast attack boats against commercial vessels. This particular naval posture offers unique abilities by matching demands for full dimensional protection of commercial ships with responsive maneuver and engagement capabilities for a minimal operational cost. For the future, a more aggressive and decisive approach, by both Chilean politicians and foreign defense companies, should ensure that the Chilean Navy is well placed for the next century, and able to provide the Chilean government and its western allies with a force capable of generating enough air power for current and future operations as diverse as warfighting and peacekeeping. Protecting sea lanes might be the new task of the South Pacific navies. There is no reason to believe that the Chilean Navy and its naval aviation forces should not be part of it.

Infantry Training, Lasertag Style

2010-05-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Chile's army operates an infantry training center that uses laser technology to simulate live-fire combat. The center is similar to the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California, although in a much smaller scale. The center is located at an army facility in Peldehue, about 40 km north of Santiago, where army special forces also train. The laser technology is much like the laser tag games. Soldiers use a rifle with a laser beam and aim it an opponent. If the "shot" is successful, detectors worn by the troops identify the opponent as a casualty. The Peldehue center is one of several in Chile where simulators are used. The air force has flight simulators for some of its aircraft; the army also has a training simulator for tank crews.

First C-295 Airplane Delivered to Navy

2010-05-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

The navy has received the first of three C-295 maritime reconnaissance aircraft purchased from EADS/CASA. The plane will be used for search and rescue, patrol and anti-submarine missions. The C-295, plus options for five more, were acquired under a plan to replace all navy fixed-wing aircraft. The navy's current fleet includes the P-3 Orion, Embraer P-111 and C-212 light transports. Chile's territorial waters span more than five times the country's land mass.

Defense Funds Tapped for Earthquake Reconstruction

2010-05-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Chile will take $1.2 billion from funds initially set aside for weapons purchases to finance reconstruction programs. Half the sum will be spent directly on rebuilding projects, according to details provided by Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet. The armed forces will spend the other half to rehabilitate their own facilities damaged in the Feb. 27 earthquake. Specifically, $150 million will go to army facilities, $200 million to the heavily damaged Asmar shipyard, and $250 million to other military installations. Chile's legislature still must approve the funding, which would be spread out over this year and next. The $1.2 billion represents roughly a third of a funding pool that swelled thanks to soaring copper prices. Chile's state-owned copper company is mandated to give 10% of export sales to the military. But Chile is working to replace that system with another that doesn't rely on copper sales. The Asmar shipyard was the military installation most severely damaged in the quake. Chile recently signed an accord with Argentina to have that country take some of the work that Asmar cannot complete on time.

F-5 Fighters Redeployed to Southern Base

2010-04-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

A squadron of F-5 Tiger III jets has moved to the Chabunco air base near Punta Arenas. The jets had been stationed in Antofagasta from the time they were acquired from the U.S. in 1975. The F-5s replace a squadron of aged A-37 aircraft at Chabunco that was retired. The F-5s have received a number of upgrades, including digital displays and refueling booms. They also use the Elbit DASH system, which enables pilots to aim missiles just by pointing their helmets.

Defense Spending Another Victim of Earthquake

2010-04-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Chile was Latin America's largest importer of weapons in 2005-2009. Don't expect that to happen again in the next five years. The massive post-earthquake rebuilding effort is changing the government's priorities, including the armed forces' budget. Specifics are few so far, but there was an illuminating bit of detail deep in an army press release last week (translated): "...Some international activities will be suspended; skills courses will be postponed to free up personnel for reconstruction and humanitarian labors. At the same time, plans for operations and maneuvers will be reassessed, with the goal of executing an austere budget in this year of reconstruction." Indeed, if a slowdown in defense spending wasn't already gathering momentum, the earthquake has all but ended Chile's 10-year military spending boom. Even before the quake, new president Sebastian Pinera favored eliminating the law that earmarks 10% of the national copper producer's revenue to defense acquisitions. A bill in the legislature seeks to replace that funding source with four-year strategic acquisition plans. To be sure, the military and its backers are vowing to maintain ample budgets for the armed forces. But Pinera can use his conservative credentials to push through changes. Of course, the military's role in providing security and ferrying supplies to ravaged areas has only proven the worth of helicopters, aircraft, ships and all-terrain vehicles. Chile's government is rumored to be looking closely at more purchases of helicopters (perhaps a few more Sikorsky Black Hawks) and transport airplanes.

Army Hiring Construction Workers as Troops Rebuild

2010-04-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Chile's army is heading one of the largest jobs programs in the country, deploying 8,000 soldiers to reconstruction projects. About 1,000 conscripts who were scheduled to return to civilian life in May have agreed to stay in the army until the end of the year to also help out. In addition, the army is hiring 13,000 workers for home construction, infrastructure repair and other rebuilding programs. The work is being targeted at three regions most seriously damaged by the Feb. 27 earthquake: Biobio, Maule and Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins. This time, soldiers are not handling security, as they did in the first few weeks after the 8.8-magnitude quake.

Military Hands Over Control of Disaster Area

2010-03-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Chile's military has turned security control of earthquake-damaged communities over to the president's reconstruction chief, Cristóbal Lira. But while security and aid efforts are back in civilian hands, the armed forces continue their relief work. Soldiers and sailors are helping with clean up, repair, construction, medical and other efforts. Army troops helped rail workers fix a damaged railroad. The navy's central focus is helping rebuild the port city of Talcahuano. Meanwhile, US Air Force crews that helped airlift supplies have ended their mission. Brazil sent some Black Hawk helicopters to reach remote areas, too.

UAVs Make Operational Debut in Chile

2010-03-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Unmanned aerial vehicles will fly missions in Chile for the first time. A pair of Aerostar UAVs will keep watch over areas still recovering from the Feb. 27 earthquake, La Tercera reported. The UAVs are on loan from Israel's Rafael, which will also provide a crew. Chile's air force arranged for the loan. The Aerostar can stay aloft 12 hours and can carry a 110-pound payload that can include day and night cameras. Chile's armed forces have been shopping for UAV systems, and some will be on display at this month's Fidae air show. Elbit Systems, BEA Systems are other UAV manufacturers at the show.

Earthquake Victims Embrace Military's Help

2010-03-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

As Chilean troops continue providing aid and security in earthquake-hobbled communities, reports indicate a broad acceptance of the military. About 14,000 soldiers have been maintaining order after looting and mobs struck ravaged areas. "Soldiers organized lines for residents to enter banks, pharmacies and gasoline stations," the New York Times reported. "And for the most part, emotional and exhausted residents...embraced them." Indeed, accounts are widely supportive of the military's response. The armed forces also have provided a vital pipeline, using trucks, helicopters and airplanes to deliver aid. That was a role the military trained for, but taking control of the streets was not. That's where the earthquake relief operation is serving as a test of the military's reforms in post-Pinochet Chile. And if Chileans are embracing their soldiers, they are also demonstrating that the country has turned a page in its history. The Feb. 27 earthquake marked the first time troops took to the streets since Gen. Pinochet stepped down and a civilian government took over. Some leftists, recalling the 1973-1990 military dictatorship, disapproved of the mobilization. Pinochet's legacy remains a political flashpoint. "But the scenes of Chileans' embracing soldiers who aided in rescue and reconstruction efforts after the huge earthquake last month make all that divisiveness seem an eternity ago," another NY Times article notes.

The Great Airlift

2010-03-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

Chilean air force planes filled with relief supplies are landing every 30 minutes at the airport in Concepcion. A KC-135 tanker-transport that was delivered just days earlier was pressed into service. Bell 412 and UH-1H helicopters are reaching areas cut off by the Feb. 27 earthquake -- all part of the "air bridge" reaching Chile's south. Some of the injured have been flown to hospitals, while the air force deployed its own field hospital in the town of Curanilahue. Chile's army, meanwhile, continues patrolling Concepcion and other devastated areas, while also operating field hospitals. It is playing a principal role in distributing food and supplies, operating Cougar, Super Puma and MD 530 helicopters in addition to CN 235 airplanes. The navy is helping keep the peace in Talcahuano, as it tries to get its own base in that city back to normal. The Asmar shipyard, owned by the navy, is "unrecognizable" after the tsunami, the navy says. Its shops were destroyed, floating docks were damaged and ships being serviced were cast onto the shore. Some boats in the harbor sank. Despite some initial missteps, the military's efforts are proceeding well by most accounts. Indeed, its labors are a critical test. Disaster relief is one of the armed forces' main missions, especially in a nation where war is a remote possibility. The earthquake exposed Chile's vulnerability to its own geography. With the single north-south highway cut off, air and sea transportation became crucial links.

How Ghost of Pinochet Influenced Quake Response

2010-03-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

Many Chileans are blasting their government for a slow response to security problems in the wake of the Feb. 27 earthquake and tsunami. Some mayors and military commanders -- sensing an outbreak of crime amid the ruins -- urged President Michele Bachelet to send in troops and impose a curfew immediately. But Bachelet hesitated, according to various press reports. To her and some of her advisers, the thought of soldiers patrolling streets and curfew restrictions was a bitter reminder of life in Chile after the 1973 coup led by Gen. Augusto Pinochet. But looting, theft and shootings soon came over the most heavily damaged areas. Police forces were quickly overwhelmed, and public angst swelled. With the situation growing out of control, Bachelet acted. Two days after the 8.8-magnitude earthquake, the president signed a special order granting the military control over affected communities. A 16-hour curfew was imposed, resulting is scores of arrests. On March 4, Defense Minister Francisco Vidal declared the security situation under control. Meanwhile, government and military officials pointed fingers at one another. The interior minister accused the air force of being slow to provide helicopters to the epicenter zone, which delayed the emergency response. The head of the air force insisted that two hours after the quake, aircraft were "ready to depart wherever we were told." The navy has a major base right in the devastated area of Concepcion, yet its personnel wasn't much visible in emergency operations. Why? According to a fire department official interviewed on radio, the base itself was heavily damaged and the navy had its own casualties to deal with. Update: In an interview with the New York Times, President Bachelet dismissed "speculation" that she held back on sending troops into disaster areas because of her own experience under military rule.

Navy Suffers Brunt of Earthquake Damage

2010-03-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Chile's navy has been the military branch most damaged by the Feb. 27 earthquake. The ensuing tsunami destroyed much of the Talcahuano naval base and most of the Asmar shipyard. A new ocean research vessel, set to be launched the same night of the quake, suffered some damage. Some coast guard boats were lost. An offshore patrol vessel being built for Iceland was badly damaged. Navy commander Adm. Edmundo Gonzalez said the navy's capital spending plans will be re-prioritized to get Talcahuano and Asmar back to normal, a process that could take years. The navy has insurance coverage for a lot of the damage. The submarines based in Talcahuano escaped any serious damage, as did an Ecuadorian sub undergoing refit at Asmar. The blog Armada de Chile y Otros is doing a good job tracking the navy's damage and its role in the relief operations.

Military Mobilizes for Earthquake Relief

2010-02-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

Chile's armed forces are being tested on one of their principal peacetime roles: disaster relief. One of the navy's main areas of attention is the Juan Fernandez archipelago, where a tsunami ravaged several villages. The frigate Almirante Condell docked with a helicopter, marines, one doctor, nurses and other emergency workers. Army troops have taken control of Concepcion, a large city near the epicenter where looting seems to be worst. The national police force has fanned out to keep order as much as possible. But given the severe conditions, President Michele Bachelet signed a decree authorizing the army to assume policing duties in the area. Troops also will watch over food distribution. The air force is making hourly flights to Concepcion with emergency personnel and rescue crews. The navy, though, got a black eye for failing to detect the tsunami promptly enough, apparently because of faulty equipment. The navy later raised the alarm and many people were able to flee the waters. Defense Minister Francisco Vidal called it an "error."

First of 3 KC-135 Tanker Planes Arrives

2010-02-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

The air force took delivery of its fist KC-135E tanker-transport aircraft acquired from U.S. Air Force stockpiles. Two more are being delivered over the next year or so. The $40 million acquisition gives Chile an in-flight refueling capability for its F-16 and F-5 fighter jets. The KC-135E planes can carry personnel and cargo and can be modified for medical airlift missions. Their range is ample enough to supply Chile's peacekeeping force in Haiti nonstop. A video clip of the arrival is available at CNN-Chile.

Oiler Ship Handed to Chile's Navy

2010-02-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

The navy has taken possession of its new fleet replenishment ship. The newly christened Almirante Montt underwent a refit in Alabama after being given to Chile from the US Navy's surplus inventory. The ship will sail to Chile in March, not February as initially estimated. Details on the ship are available at Wikipedia.

Defense Reform Takes Power from Military

2010-02-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

The armed forces' reform has taken a key step with a new law that formally puts strategic planning and military operations under the control of the civilian government. The president and defense secretary will head a new joint chiefs of staff in control of the military. The chairman of the joint chiefs was picked by President Bachelet from a list of nominees the armed forces provided. The law is a significant achievement for Bachelet, coming in the final weeks of her administration. Another structural change for the military -- the creation of a new funding mechanism -- is still pending in the legislature. Meanwhile, president-elect Sebastian Pinera has named his defense minister: Jaime Ravinet, a member of the opposition Christian Democrats who held the same job under former president Ricardo Lagos.

New Tanker Planes, F-16s Set to Arrive

2010-01-31T21:28:00.000-08:00

The first of three KC-135 transport aircraft is due to land in Chile Feb. 18. The planes can also provide in-flight refueling, extending the operating range of Chile's F-16 fighters. The tankers were one of several program updates announced Jan. 26. Defense Minister Francisco Vidal said the 18 used F-16 jets, acquired from the Netherlands, will start arriving in October. The $270 million deal gives Chile a total of 44 F-16s. The latest batch is being assigned to the 5th Aviation Brigade in Antofagasta. Also, the first six of a dozen Super Tucano trainers have been delivered, with the remainder arriving in several months. Chile's air force also has taken delivery of some of its 12 brand-new Bell 412 helicopters. The KC-135s bolster Chile's transport capacity and combat range, but the aircraft are old and it's unclear how long they can remain operational. It's conceivable that one of the three planes will be used for spares. If the announcement wasn't enough to rile Peru, air force Gen. Ricardo Ortega fanned the fire with a thinly disguised warning: "Everyone watching us knows we have the capability to strike hard. So, it's better that they leave us alone."

What New President Means for Chile's Defense

2010-01-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

Businessman Sebastian Pinera is taking office March 11, becoming the first right-wing president of Chile since Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Do Pinera's conservative credentials mean a boost for Chile's military? Not necessarily. Pinera's campaign agrees that the so-called copper law -- responsible for a huge increase in defense spending the past several years -- needs to go away. The critique: The law provides plenty for acquisitions but nothing for operating expenses; funds must be split evenly among the armed services; and the cash flows from copper don't necessarily coincide with defense needs. Pinera may have another motive. He wants to privatize at least part of Codelco, the state-owned copper company that provides 10% of its export sales to the military. Privatizing would be a lot easier if Codelco didn't have a defense committment. Codelco's military ties also hurt its foreign expansion plans. One area of national security that figures to get a major boost is the national police force. Pinera has vowed to add thousands of Carabineros, and equip them better, to fight Chile's crime problem. Is Pinera a hawk? Yes, but he also knows the value of good relations with neighboring countries. His businesses, including Lan Airlines, make a lot of money abroad. Chile, after all, became a wealthy country thanks largely to free trade.

Chile General Takes Command of Haiti UN Forces

2010-01-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

With the current leader of the UN peacekeeping force missing after Tuesday's earthquake, Chilean army Gen. Ricardo Toro has assumed command of the 9,000-strong force. The job is doubly tough for Toro, whose wife is among the missing. Chile has about 500 troops in Haiti. Their deployment since 2004 has been fairly uneventful until this week. No Chileans were hurt in the quake, although several from other nations died. Chile's air force is dispatching a Hercules C-130 and a Boeing 767 with humanitarian aid, while a navy landing ship is sailing to the disaster area. UPDATE: Chilean firefighters on Jan. 22 found the body of María Teresa Dowling, the wife of army Gen. Ricardo Toro, in the ruins of a hotel that collapsed in the Haiti earthquake. Gen. Toro spent only a couple of days in control of UN forces before being relieved to focus on the search for his wife.

Air Force Gets First Tucano Deliveries

2010-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Embraer has delivered the first four of a dozen Super Tucano aircraft to the air force. The turboprops are primarily for pilot training but can be modified for anti-insurgency roles. In its press release, the Brazilian plane manufacturer said the Chile deal includes a flight simulator, a mission planning station and a mission debriefing station.

A Worthy Opponent for the Leopard 2

2009-12-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Peru is acquring MBT 2000 tanks from China as it tries to close the gap against Chile's potent armor. The MBT 2000 doesn't normally match up to Chile's Leopard 2. But China is adding reactive armor and other improvements that Peruvian officials say put the MBT 2000s on equal footing with the Leopard 2. The MBT 2000 can launch anti-tank missiles from its 125 mm gun, which give the tank a kill range of 5 km. Theoretically at least, that's a longer range than the Leopard 2's. Press reports say the deal is for 30 tanks at a cost of $5 million each. The MBT 2000 won out over the Russian T-90, the Polish PT-91 and Ukraine's T-84. The deciding factor was cost. Peru also hopes to purchase self-propelled artillery and other systems to supplement its new tanks.

More on the Proposed Military Budget Framework

2009-11-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

The proposed financing mechanism for Chile's armed forces would keep a current budget surplus, of perhaps $3 billion, in a contingency fund. The money could be used in case of conflict or to support Chile's peacekeeping missions, according to details given from the Defense Ministry. Meanwhile, the navy's new commander, Adm. Edmundo Gonzales, voiced concerns that the plan has no spending floor. If the country's economy expands, he reasons, more military resources would be needed to protect those assets. Also, he noted that if spending plans are authorized in four-year segments, it may be difficult to finance acquisitions with multiyear loans. Under the current funding mechanism, based on revenues from the state-owned copper company, a minimum of $100 million goes to each of three major branches.

New Video Game Set at Chile-Peru Border

2009-11-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

"Battlefield: Bad Company 2" is set in what publisher Electronic Arts calls Arica Harbor. A look at its preview videos leaves no doubt this is the same Chilean city of Arica, just south of the border with Peru. In this tactical shooter game, U.S. and Russian forces battle it out over desert and urban terrain with infantry, armor and air elements. Incidentally, the scenario is not much different than Western-style Chilean forces and Russian-style Peruvian army engaging in war. The game, being released next March, is getting positive reviews from gamers.

Chile Buys American for Air Defense

2009-11-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Chile is seeking to purchase U.S.-made Avenger missile systems and Sentinel radars to upgrade its air defense. The six radar systems, capable of tracking targets out to 75 km, would cost $65 million, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Three dozen Humvee-mounted Avenger systems with 390 Stinger missiles are also being sought, for an additional $455 million. A separate deal seeks 100 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for Chile's F-16 fighter jets. That one rings up for $145 million. All contracts would include training, maintenance and related costs. Defense Minister Francisco Vidal, however, said Chile is likely to purchase smaller quantities of the weapons than the DSCA announced. Stinger missiles have a maximum range of 8 km. Combined with the new Gepard artillery systems, the new acquisitions would give Chile a formidable short-range defense capability. Vidal said the new equipment replaces obsolete air-defense weapons. The Sentinel system provides 3-D surveillance of objects as small as UAVs.

New Oiler Ship Sails to Chile in February

2009-10-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

A U.S. fleet replenishment ship given to Chile will undergo a $30 million reactivation job that's expected to last three months. The USS Higgins would then set sail for Chile in February, according to the Mobile, Ala.-based Press-Herald. The Higgins has been mothballed since 1996. Its transfer to Chile's navy was finalized a year ago, as Chile's Defense & Military reported. The transfer was free, but required all reactivation work to be done by U.S. companies. Chilean sailors have already done some training on the vessel.

Exercise Goes On, Politics Notwithstanding

2009-10-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Chile is hosting joint exercises this month with the air forces of Brazil, Argentina, France and the U.S. The exercise is meant to develop teamwork, but the big story is the hypethetical conflict dreamed up. The scenario: a northern aggressor is defying international treaties and must be dealt with. That wasn't lost on Peru, which is disputing its ocean boundary with Chile. Chilean officials sought to smooth things over by inviting Peru's air force to observe the exercise, called Salitre. Peru declined and complained to one of Salitre's participants, the U.S. American officials nudged Chile into altering the scenario, according to El Mercurio. The Chileans obliged. No more northern aggressor.

Chile Embraces M-4 Carbine, Despite Doubts

2009-10-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

More units of Chile's armed forces are using the M4 carbine, the standard infantry weapon of U.S. forces and other nations. The marine special forces is one such unit, as seen in this photo. (The weapon is seen fitted with the M-203 grenade launcher.) The M4 has its share of critics, though. Some soldiers complain it jams frequently in dusty, desert areas. U.S. troops in Afghanistan say their guns have malfunctioned at critical times. With similar conditions in the north of Chile, is the M4 the most adequate rifle? Most Chilean army soldiers still employ the SIG 540 5.56mm rifles, built under license by Famae. Rumors of Chile acquiring the HK416 or the SIG556 haven't materialized. UPDATE: Chile is seeking to acquire up to 15,000 assault rifles to replace older ones, Enfoque Estrategico reported. A competition between the Colt M4 and the Heckler & Koch G36C is planned.

New Navy Chief Seeks Multirole Transport Ship

2009-09-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

The navy's next major construction project should be a multirole transport ship capable of ferrying 500 marines, said new navy commander Adm. Edmundo Gonzalez Robles. The ship would also carry three helicopters and landing craft, Gonzalez told El Mercurio de Valparaiso. Such a vessel would be used to provide aid in case of natural disaster. Of course, it could also serve Chile's peacekeeping forces abroad and in the event of armed conflict. Gonzalez hinted that an existing design could be used for the project. The navy's main transport vessel, an ex-U.S. Navy amphibious landing ship, is nearing retirement. Gonzalez also wants to add 1,000 marines plus another 1,500 personnel . A few long-range helicopters are planned, too.

Chile May Get into Embraer Project

2009-09-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Brazil's Embraer is looking for foreign partners to help develop its KC-390 military transport airplane, with Chile among the possibilities. Colombia, Portugal and South Africa also are possible partners, Dow Jones reported. Embraer is getting $21 million from Brazil's air force to start the project. Chile's air force is acquiring a dozen Super Tucano trainer aircraft from Embraer.

Copper-Based Military Funding Closer to End

2009-09-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

President Michelle Bachelet sent to Congress a bill that eliminates the use of government copper sales for military purchases. Instead, weapons systems will be funded out of the general government budget under a broad 12-year plan. The plan would break down into four-year segments in which military leaders would outline strategic needs, Defense Minister Francisco Vidal said in a briefing. The proposal does not include a spending floor, or adjustments for inflation. Specific sums would be authorized each year. Acquisitions would become more transparent, although specific capabilities would be kept secret. The military commanders are said to be in agreement. The so-called copper law has provided Chile's military with billions of dollars over the past several years, thanks to a surge in copper prices. It obligated state-owned Codelco to give 10% of sales to the armed forces for procurement.