RAF mission boosts UK Antarctic cooperation with Chile

British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) personnel based at Mount Pleasant Complex have conducted Operation AUSTRAL ENDURANCE, working alongside Chilean counterparts and UK partners to strengthen safe access to the British Antarctic Territory, CSOC stated.

The operation followed a direction issued in December 2025 by the Defence Single Tasking Authority for BFSAI to conduct an overflight of the British Antarctic Territory during the Austral summer season, which runs until March 2026. The MoD said the activity formed part of the UK’s routine, treaty-compliant presence and helped mitigate the temporary absence of the ice patrol ship HMS Protector from the region.

According to CSOC, the operation was designed to build cooperation and improve the UK’s ability to support the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), while enabling safe and effective operations in the Antarctic environment.

Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands Brigadier Charlie Harmer said the operation supported the UK’s obligations under the Antarctic Treaty.

“As a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty, it is essential that the UK is able to support the vital activities of the BAS across the BAT,” he said. “Op AUSTRAL ENDURANCE demonstrates BFSAI’s ability to routinely support and protect British interests in the region, in conjunction with close regional partners.”

The MoD said RAF personnel began the activity in Santiago, conducting a professional exchange with the Chilean Air Force focused on Antarctic flying. The discussions covered issues including reduced visibility over ice, altitude selection, weather planning and contingency measures, as well as the framework of the Antarctic Treaty, which permits the use of military assets for peaceful purposes such as logistics, search and rescue and scientific support.

To improve situational awareness and flight safety, a Chilean Air Force captain joined the UK crew for the southern sortie, providing regional expertise and support with local procedures.

The operation then moved to Punta Arenas, where the RAF team departed on a 12-hour round trip to the Antarctic region. The flight included waypoints at BAS’s Sky Blu and Rothera research stations before transitioning to maritime integration activity.

The MoD said the crew successfully established contact with the research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough despite low-level cloud and intermittent visibility, demonstrating integration between UK air and maritime assets in challenging conditions.

The sortie was supported by RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling, with a tanker aircraft departing Mount Pleasant Complex to rendezvous with the A400M and provide the refuelling needed to extend range and maintain fuel reserves.

According to the MoD, the operation forms part of wider UK defence activity in the South Atlantic and Antarctica, supporting BAS operations and contributing to UK objectives under the Operate Programme Directive 2024.

Captain Jason White QGM RN, UK Defence Attaché to Chile, said the mission supported long-term cooperation between the two nations.

“This was an amazing opportunity for the RAF and Chilean Air Force to work together, providing the sort of mutual support outlined in the Letter of Intent between our Government’s on Antarctic Co-operation,” he said. “It was also an incredible experience for all those involved!”