the Chilean Air Force (FACh) Deploying fighter jets from the air base Chaponco Punta ArenasThis is in response to the alleged incursion of Argentine aircraft into Chilean airspace.
The account, confirmed by a post on social media by the Andean country's defense minister, contradicts what Noticias Argentinas reported from sources linked to the Ministry of Defense, who indicated that “at that time there were no flights of Argentine aircraft, neither military nor civilian,” and that in the portfolio headed by Luis Petri, they learned of the matter from the position of Chilean Defense Minister.
Moreover, they pointed out that “there was no” any kind of request from the Chilean authorities to the Defense, nor to the International Affairs Area, nor to the Air Force.
The trans-Andean media “Bio Bio” confirms that this happened on Tuesday, according to what was reported by a user of the Argentine social network.
The incident could have occurred yesterday at around 7 p.m., when Chilean airspace protection codes and processes were activated, after Chilean radars and technology in the southern part of the country apparently detected an unannounced air incursion, which would correspond to Argentine aircraft at an altitude of about 3,000 feet between Mount Aymond and the Strait.
Given what had happened, two Chilean Air Force F-5s were allowed to take off to monitor the area, but no aircraft were found.
After the truth became public, Defense Minister Maya Fernandez confirmed the incident, adding that an investigation had been opened into the airspace violation, most likely from Argentina.
“Yesterday, at around 20 o’clock in the eastern area of the Strait of Magellan, there was an alert of unidentified air traffic, in response our Chilean Air Force activated protocols, taking off F-5s for protection. He referred to our sovereignty.
He added: “After that, contact with this air traffic was lost and an investigation is currently underway.”
“What should be said, for the peace of mind of all citizens, is that the Air Force has activated the protocols and defended our borders and sovereignty accordingly,” Minister Fernandez stated.
