A new chapter in Chilean military aviation is about to begin, as the country’s next-gen T-40 Newén steps in to replace the long-serving T-35 Pillán trainer aircraft.
This week, Chile’s Ministry of National Defense released a video showing the nearly complete prototype, offering the public its clearest look yet at the training platform.
The T-40 anchors a full training ecosystem designed to bridge the jump from basic flight instruction to handling more advanced fighters like the F-16 and F-5.
Powered by ENAER’s (National Aeronautical Company of Chile) Defense Technology Systems suite, it brings together digital avionics, virtual reality (VR) simulators, ground-school modules, and mission-planning tools.
This setup aims to standardize early pilot training and boost modern maneuvering and acrobatic skills for the next wave of Chilean military aviators.
From Factory to Flight
The T-40 program is giving Chile’s aircraft manufacturing base a fresh boost, bringing together vocational technicians, university engineering teams, and a network of national suppliers.
Several small and mid-sized Chilean companies now feed into the production chain, providing components, electronics, and composite materials.
The Newén trainer aircraft is slated for an official public rollout in April 2026, followed by prototype testing to validate structural integration, onboard systems, and training compatibility.
Production of 33 T-40s kicks off in late 2027, gradually joining Chilean Air Force training squadrons.
