Chile mulls options on attack copters

Santiago, Chile - Chilean armed forces are looking to augment their inventory with an early acquisition of light attack helicopters, part of new options being considered to modernize the military.

Chile is also reported to be looking into acquiring light attack aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles but no deals have been announced.

In September Chile was reported in talks with the Netherlands to buy at least eight Cougar helicopters earmarked for reconditioning with new avionics.

Chilean armed forces have let President Sebastian Pinera know the military's light attack capability needs to be modernized as the country faces multiple potential threats from the drug trade, cross-border smuggling of other contraband goods and human trafficking.

At least three types of light attack helicopters are under consideration and include the Eurocopter EC 635, the Bell 407 AH and the Boeing AH-6i, Defense Market Intelligence data showed.

Boeing is expected to demonstrate the AH-6i during trials mounted for the Chilean armed forces which earlier operated and trained on the MD 530.

The Eurocopter is also considered a strong contender, as it's known to both Chilean army and navy personnel. All three models have greater weapons capabilities and advanced electronics and optical equipment than the MD 530 but the competition now centers on availability, price and financial arrangements.

Chile deploys Israel's RecceLite system

Chile's air force command has deployed the Israeli-made RecceLite reconnaissance system but the government of President Sebastian Pinera has yet to formally announce the acquisition.

Reports of the Rafael air defense system entering the service of Chile's military establishment followed industry assessments Pinera's administration is keen to hasten modernization of the country's military, neglected for more than a decade.

The Chilean military was relegated to the background in the years after the end of dictatorial rule in the country from 1973-90 because of public sensitivity to funding or procurement measures seen to strengthen the armed forces.

The military is widely blamed for supporting authoritarian regimes in Chile, including that of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Sympathy for Chilean military's interest in upgrades and defense modernization has contrasted with bitter opposition in earlier years.

The air force's use of the RecceLite pod system wouldn't have come to light or reported through normal channels because RecceLite isn't regarded as a weapon. However, news reports said the Chilean military was one of six air forces that attended a recent conference in the Netherlands that brought together users of the Rafael system.

RecceLite is favored by air forces worldwide because it provides real-time reconnaissance and data links. Chile's reported purchase of the advanced pods is meant to supplement the air force's operations of its F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet.

Photographs of Chilean F-16s showed a targeting pod that appeared to be the Litening, the blog website for Chile's Defense and Military said.