Chile unveils progress on new T-40 trainer aircraft
By Dylan Malyasov
Chile has revealed new progress on its T-40 Newén trainer aircraft, a project the country describes as a major step in reviving national aerospace manufacturing after several decades.
During an event held on Tuesday at El Bosque Air Base, Minister of Defense Adriana Delpiano and senior leaders of the Chilean Air Force presented updated details on the aircraft’s development.
According to information released during the presentation, the T-40 Newén is being built entirely by the National Aeronautics Company of Chile (Enaer). The program aims not only to update pilot-training capabilities but also to reestablish Chile as a producer of military aircraft for the global defense market.
The T-40 Newén—its name meaning “force” in Mapudungún—is intended to replace the long-serving T-35 Pillán, which has been used for more than four decades to train pilots from Chile and abroad. Officials noted that the current fleet no longer meets the Chilean Air Force’s requirements for modern training demands, especially for pilots preparing to transition to advanced fighters such as the F-16 and F-5.
The aircraft is described as part of an integrated training ecosystem. As noted by Enaer, the T-40 Newén incorporates several features aligned with international standards, including a digital flight deck, or “glass cockpit,” with configurable multifunction displays. The aircraft also uses the HOTAS concept—Hands On Throttle-And-Stick—to allow pilots to manage systems without removing their hands from the controls.
According to project officials, the aircraft structure includes 30 percent advanced composite materials, such as carbon fiber, to reduce weight and improve durability. The program also includes mixed-reality flight simulators and planning tools designed to mirror operational environments.
Enaer says the initial production plan includes 33 aircraft. The first prototype is 97 percent complete and is scheduled for official delivery in April 2026. After that milestone, a flight-testing phase will begin, with serial production expected to start in 2027.
