With a large turnout and significant institutional and business participation, the British pavilion, known as the UK Great Zone, successfully concluded its presence at FIDAE 2026, solidifying its position as one of the most important spaces within the International Air and Space Fair, held in Santiago, Chile, from April 7 to 12.

Organized by the British Embassy in Santiago and the Chilean-British Chamber of Commerce, BritCham Chile, the UK Great Zone brought together leading UK companies with innovative solutions in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors, establishing itself as a key meeting point for technological exchange and strengthening bilateral relations.

In the lead-up to the event, on the Monday before FIDAE 2026 began, the opening ceremony was held at the residence of His Excellency David Concar, the British Ambassador to Chile, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors for this important international gathering.

The first day of the fair was marked by a large turnout, with hundreds of visitors coming to learn about the offerings of the exhibiting companies in the UK Great Zone, such as Babcock, Blighter, Hesco, BAE Systems/FalconWorks, Faun Trackway, and Spaceflux, generating significant interest in their capabilities and developments.

In this context, the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony for the British pavilion took place. The ceremony featured prominent participation from the Chilean Minister of National Defense, Fernando Barros; the British Ambassador to Chile, David Concar; the Executive Director of the Chilean-British Chamber of Commerce, Elle Denton; and leading representatives of the British defense sector, including Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark George Jackson and the Defence Attaché in Chile, Jason White. This officially marked the start of activities in the UK Great Zone and reflected the high level of bilateral relations in defense and cooperation.

Throughout the week, the British pavilion hosted numerous strategic meetings, networking events, and engagement activities, welcoming authorities, international delegations, and key industry players.

As part of its program, the UK Great Zone also incorporated a distinctive cultural component, notably a performance by bagpipers, who brought a unique touch to the space, introducing attendees to British traditions and enriching the visitor experience.

The presence of the British defense delegation was another highlight of this participation, strengthening institutional ties and promoting the exchange of knowledge on strategic matters.

Participation in FIDAE 2026 reaffirms the United Kingdom’s position as a strategic partner for Chile in key industries, as well as the coordinating role of the British Embassy in Santiago and the Chilean-British Chamber of Commerce in promoting high-level initiatives that foster bilateral cooperation.