The event, recorded by Agenda Malvinas through the precise satellite flight tracking platform www.flightradar24.com , -between 3 and 5 pm this Thursday, November 20, 2025 - involves an airplane CASA 212 E-232 of the Chilean Army and the Twin Otter FACH-944 of the Chilean Air Force ; flying north to south, east of the Andes Mountains, and entering Argentine territory; on the very border of Santa Cruz and its neighbor Chubut.

The Twin Otter FACH-944 took off from Balmaceda Airport at 13:43 and the CASA 212 E-232 from Coyhaique at 14:21. Both flew to Punta Arenas where they landed about 10 minutes apart at around 17:00.

This event reignites the discussion about overflight agreements and reciprocity in the use of airspace between Argentina and Chile, especially with regard to foreign state aircraft (military, police or security/customs services).

Regulatory Framework and Military Flights

The Argentine Aeronautical Code establishes the exclusive authority of the National Executive Branch for the defense and policing of airspace. While there is increasing liberalization in commercial civil aviation (facilitated by "Open Skies" agreements that allow airlines to operate between the two countries and domestic flights on an "origin/origin" basis), the rules for military aircraft are strict and different.

History of unauthorized flights

This is not the first time questions have been raised about Chilean overflights in Argentine territory. In August 2022 , for example, the Argentine Foreign Ministry requested information from the Chilean government after detecting aircraft entering Argentine airspace without the proper permits, an incident that generated alarm, especially given the southern location and their possible destination of the Malvina Islands. Subsequently, Chilean authorities publicly acknowledged an "error" in an unauthorized overflight.

The detection of a CASA 212 and a Twin Otter —transport and liaison aircraft, common in military and logistical operations—on a north-south route over the Atlantic coast of Santa Cruz, forces the authorities to respond:

1.     Did these aircraft have the military overflight permit (ASM) issued by Argentina?

2.     If the permit existed, what is the nature of the mission that justifies crossing through Argentine mainland territory?

3.     Is there a military treaty or agreement that establishes an equivalence in air maneuver freedom for the armed forces of both countries?

The incident underscores the need for transparency and the strengthening of binational coordination mechanisms to avoid misunderstandings that affect the sensitivity surrounding air sovereignty .