SANTIAGO, Chile -- Earlier this summer, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations-led Force Protection Detachment Chile partnered with the Carabineros Air Prefecture to host the first International Seminar on Operational Safety and Countering the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems at the Air Prefecture facilities in Santiago.
The event, the first of its kind in Chile, brought together national and international police and military leaders to address the growing risks posed by unmanned aerial systems and strengthen cooperation in countering their misuse. In doing so, it directly supports U.S. Southern Command and Air Forces Southern priorities.
As drones become more accessible, faster and harder to detect, they present new challenges for public safety and national security, said Special Agent Christian Rivera, AFOSI attaché to the FPD at the U.S. Embassy in Chile.
According to Rivera, the seminar highlighted the expanding role of drones in security operations and underscored the agencies aligned commitment to developing technological capabilities in service of public safety.
“Bringing so many experts together in one place is a force multiplier for public safety and security,” Rivera said. “Each agency brings unique capabilities, and this seminar allows us to combine that expertise to better counter unmanned aerial threats.”
Among the attendees were Acting General Director of Carabineros Inspector General Enrique Monrás and U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Richard Yoneoka, along with AFOSI Special Agents, the Texas Air National Guard, the New York Police Department Counterterrorism Division, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Chilean participants included specialists from Carabineros de Chile, the Investigative Police, Gendarmería, the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and multiple military organizations.
Colonel Javier Álvarez, head of the Carabineros Air Prefecture, said the event was “a testament to the professional commitment of all participants to the responsible development and use of new technologies.”
According to Álvarez, the event reaffirmed Carabineros’ conviction to incorporate modern tools that enhance police functions and strengthen institutional operations.
In addition, the weeklong seminar included presentations and panels where participants shared operational experiences, discussed air safety regulations and explored usage standards for unmanned aerial systems in both urban and rural environments.
“Our goal was to make this seminar a lasting platform for international cooperation,” said Assistant Attaché Alejandro Mora, NCIS. “By working together, we can strengthen the strategic use of drones to support public order and security missions worldwide.”
According to the FPD and Chilean counterparts, the event was part of a broader initiative to strengthen institutional operations through technological innovation, improving crime prevention, public order control and emergency response capabilities.
“Initiatives like this are vital to strengthening our global partnerships and enhancing operational safety,” Rivera said. “As drones become an increasingly critical tool in security and defense, seminars like this help ensure we’re prepared to work together effectively across borders.”