Unlike most other operators of F-16s, Chilean F-16C/Ds use drag chutes (or drogue parachutes) when landing. F-16D-50M 857 (FMS 02-6036) is seen here landing at Natal AB during exercise Cruzex 2024. It is operated by Gr. 3, based at Iquique.

As of November 2024, Chile is - besides Venezuela - the only South American country operating F-16's. In the early 2000's, the Fuerza Aérea de Chile ordered an initial 10 Block 50 aircraft under the "Peace Puma" FMS program. The order consisted of six F-16C (serialled 851 to 856) and four F-16D (serialled 857 to 860). "857" shown here on approach to Natal during CRUZEX 2024 was US FY # 02-6036 and was delivered to Chile in September of 2006, after having been used for initial crew training in the US as from around August 2005.