The Georgetown Air Force of Guyana

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The president of Guyana is commander in chief of the GDF. The GDF is organized into approximately twenty corps whose activities ranged from training to intelligence to catering and musical performance. Service in the GDF is voluntary, and its membership is overwhelmingly Afro-Guyanese. Women were accepted into the service but constituted only a small percentage of the total force.

The air wing of the GDF was created in 1968. In 1970 it was redesignated the Air Command, GDF. The 200-member Air Command is headquartered at Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown. In the early 1990s, it's aircraft helicopters operated from Georgetown's Timehri Airport. The command's primary missions are transportation, communications, and liaison. Secondary missions include counter narcotics and maritime patrolling.

Currently the GDF Air Command's operates a variety of aircraft. Only one Shorts Skyvan remains in service and is operated alongside a Harbin Y-12 Turbo Panda, acquired from the Chinese aircraft manufacturer in early 2002. For many years, a Bell 412 was the sole helicopter in use with the GDF, until it was augmented by a pair of Rotorway Exec 162F helicopters in 2004 and 2005, which were locally assembled.

the Suriname Air Force

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The Surinam Air Force (sometimes simply referred to as luchtmacht) is an independent part of the National Army (or Nationale Leger) alongside the army, navy and military police. With a colonel as Commander-in-Chief, consisting of some 2.000 man and a budget of less than $ 10 million the National Army is a very limited power in the international environment although internally and politically it remains a force to be reckoned with. The air force forms a relatively large part of the armed forces and it's history started soon after the country gained independence and is closely linked with the country's recent history.

The first military aircraft of the young air force was a Hughes 500 helicopter, simply registered SAF-001 and being used for light observation tasks. Unfortunately the aircraft was written off in March 1982, but in May of the same year a couple of Britten-Norman Defenders were delivered, providing the air force with a slow but valuable observation and light transportation aircraft. Later the number of Defenders increased to four and currently at least one is still operated by the air force, another two are (temporarily) stored.

201st Mexican Fighter Squadron "The Aztec Eagles" P-47D

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron of the "Fuerza Area Expedicionaria Mexicana" is the only Mexican military unit that has seen combat outside Mexico.
Affectionately known as the "Aztec Eagles," the squadron flew combat missions in the Philippines from May to August 1945. The 201st was attached to the American 58th Fighter Group, 5th Fighter Command, 5th Air Force and flew P-47 Thunderbolts.
Mexico declared war against the Axis powers in 1942 after U-boats sank two Mexican ships. In 1944, The Mexican Air Force formed 300 pilots and crewmen into El Escuadron Aereo de Pelea 201 and sent them to Idaho and Texas for training.
The 201st flew its first combat missions in support of American ground troops in June 1945 during the advance into northern Luzon. In July the squadron flew long range fighter sweeps from the Philippines to Formosa and in August they flew a dive-bombing mission on the Port of Karenko, Formosa.
During its four-month tour, the squadron flew 791 sorties including 96 combat missions, dropped 1,497 bombs and fired 166,922 rounds of 0.50 cal. ammunition. Five of the squadron's 31 pilots were killed during the war.

The MEAF was disbanded after returning to Mexico from the Philippines. The 201st is still an active duty squadron, flying the Pilatus PC-7 from Cozumel, Quitna Roo.

Fuerza Aerea Boliviana (FAB) 1st Latin American Operator of the Chinese Xian MA60 Turboprop Aircraft

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports: Exclusive, Miami December 29, 2007: In a Holiday well wished phone call to Col. Jose R. Viana our friend here at Latin Airforces "LA/F" and internal FAB contact, we learned today of the delivery of two Xian MA60's passenger / cargo turbo prop, Chinese made transport aircraft to the FAB.
This marks the first presence of the Xian MA60 within a Latin American Air Force. Originally, delivery was expected to have taken place back on October 12th, however, problems with a lack of proper visas for the Chinese pilots delayed delivery until this past Friday December 28, 2007 when they arrived into Santa Cruz. According to our contact, the decision to purchase the MA60's was announced earlier this year within the FAB. The MA60 is similar in size and performance to the Bombardier Dash-8 and the EADS ATR-72. The newly arrived MA60's will operate in conjunction with the FAB's BAe-146-200's which where also acquired this year to support FAB personal and logistical transport services. Most likely, the MA60's will be assigned to the 1st Brigada Aerea, with Grupo Aereo de Caza 31 of the Escuadron de Ejecutivos 310, based at La Paz-El Alto (field identifier SLLP).

Venezuela, Latin America 1st Air Force To Take Part in RED FLAG "92"

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports: Back in 1992, nine years after receieving their first F-'16s Fighters, five aircrafts from "Grupo 16" of the Venezuelan Air Force, based at the "El Libertador" Air base in Venezuela, flew a distance of 4,400 miles and undertook three in-flight refueling hook ups, respectfully first with their own B707 tanker and then with USAF KC-135's to reach Nellis Air Force Base, located in Las Vegas to take part in the world famous "Red Flag" air combat training exercise.

Being supported by one of their C-130 and 55 of their highly trained and motivated ground support personnel, the Venezuelan Air Force made history by becoming the first ever Latin American Air Force to part take in Red Flag.

Back then USAF Red Flag Operations Commander, Col. Boby Buffkin expressed his admiration toward the Venezuelan F-16 crews for their ability to integrate and become a cohesive attribute of the Red Flag 1992 session. Since its inception back in 1975 to the present, 20 foreign Air Forces have had the professional and tactical pleasure of being part of the USAF Red Flag annual training events, and as stated above, Venezuela became the first Latin American Air Forces to display their abilities in air to air combat training and participation. The Venezuelan Air Force again took part in Red Flag in 1994 thus being the last time. It would be a welcome sight for them to be invited back to participate with their new Sukhoi SU-30MK's. (see "Venezuela Next Generation Russian Fighter Blog, dated Friday Nov 2, 2007)

Red Flag 1992 Venezuelan Air Force F-16 Crew List

1. Lt Col. Oswaldo Di Sabatino

2. Col. Arturo Garcia

3. Maj. Hector D. Armas

4. Maj. Saul Fuenmayor

Venezuela and the F-16 Falcon

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: In May 1982, the government of Venezuela signed an agreement to buy 18 block 15 F-16A's and six Block 15 F-16B's to replace the fleet of Mirage III interceptors and Mirage 5 ground-attack aircraft serving with the Fuerza AereaVenezolana (FAV).

However, the Venzuelan order was not approved immediately because the US government wanted to sell Venezuela the F-16/79 (a slightly degraded F-16 version developed for export orders) instead. In 1983, the US government abandoned its hopes of selling the F-16/79, and finally approved the sale of the F100-powered F-16s to Venezuela
The FAV accepted its first aircraft in September 1983. FAV F-16s wear an attractive green/brown color scheme, with the insignia of the Aviacion de Combate (Combat Aviation) on the tail and roundels on the wings. A four-digit serial is painted on the fuselage just below the tail fin.Of the original 24 aircraft that Venezuela bought, three have crashed: the first two, due to engine failure, and the second one, an F-16B, crashed during a maneuver on an air show at Base Aerea El Libertador, where Grupo 16 is based. In this accident, the first and second commander of the squadron where killed. The Venezuelan Air Force was looking for US government approval to replace these two aircraft and was planning to overhaul and update the remaining 22 airframes. At the end of October 1997, the US government approved the sale of the two F-16s, as well as an upgrade packet including the F-100-PW-220E. However, the purchase of the two attrition airframes has been halted until further notice.

Argentina F-16 Troubles

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports: December 23, 2007: (Miami) - Latin Airforces, Inc. has learned from our internal contacts within Argentina's Air Force that Argentina is no longer considering the F-16 to replace some of it's older fighter aircraft.

This started as the result of a US accusation that the Venezuelan government provided political campaign donation for Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. Fernandez publicly criticized the US for trying to spoil her new presidency and promised to keep a closer tie with her Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez. (not a slick move Miss. President)

The last time U.S. fighter aircraft were acquired by the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina or FAA) was in the 1990s when they received A-4M Skyhawks (known as A-4AR Fightinghawks.) (also see November 2007 blog titled: Argentina Air Force, Latin America first Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Operator).

Buenos Aires press revealed that two months ago representatives from Israel's air and space industry visited Buenos Aires offering an upgraded, multipurpose model of the US manufacture F16. The French are also under consideration. Recently, a special envoy from French president Nicolas Sarkozy reiterated the offer from the previous administration of President Jacques Chirac: 12 Mirage 2000 for a total price of 90 million Euros.

Brazil The Only Latin American Air Force to have Operated the famed Curtiss P-40

El Salvador Air Force Update Ending 2007

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports: El Salvador modest annual defense budget is just over US$100 million, from which each year the Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena (FAS, Salvadorian Air Force) receives an operating budget of a meagre US$2.6 million, most of which is spent on fuel and salaries, leaving little for a much needed modernization programs. Currently, the (FAS) operates a single "Bassler Mod" C-47T and would like to return to service a C-47R to operational status as soon as funds allow.

The (FAS) latest acquisition is a Bell 412 for their special forces. Finally, the (FAS) is in the process of acquiring three refurbished Arava transports from Israel.

Chilean Navy Orders EADS / CASA Maritime Patrol C-295's

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports: December 12, 2007 (Miami): Latin Airforces has learned via Chilean Naval Aviation contacts at the Vina de Mar Naval Air Station that on 18th October 2007, the Armada de Chile-Aviacion Naval(Chilean Navy Aviation) has signed a contract for the purchase of up to eight (8) C-295MPA maritime surveillance aircraft. The deal comprises a firm order for only three (3) aircraft but also includes options on an additional five (5) C-295's.

Falkland War Combat Veteran Lockheed P-2V Neptune

On May 4, 1982, 2-P-111 guided the Super Etendards during their successful Exocet anti-ship missile attack against HMS Sheffield.

Argentina & Brazil, Latin America's Only Two Lockheed P-2V "Neptune" Operators

ARGENTINA: In 1958, the Comando de Aviacíon Naval acquired eight ex-RAF MR.1s (P2V-5). These first Neptunes were later supplemented by three USN surplus SP-2E's and one EP-2E between 1966 and 1972. In 1977 Four SP-2Hs were delivered to the 1 Esc de Exploracíon when Argentina's attempts to replace its aging Neptunes with the P-3B Orions was blocked by the US. When the Falkland Island War began in 1982, only three of the SP-2Hs remained in service. On May 4, 1982, 2-P-111 guided the Super Etendards during their successful attack against HMS Sheffield. The well-worn SP-2Hs fleet were withdrawn from service shortly thereafter.

BRAZIL: 14 ex-RAF MR.1s (P2V-5) were aquired in 1958-59 for use by the 1º/7º Grupo de Aviação, Força Aérea Brasileira, at Salvador. Designated P-15s, they were assigned serials P-15 7000 to P-15 7013. The FAB Neptunes were progressively phased out with the last aircraft retired in 1976.

The Grumman S-2 Tracker's In Latin American ASW / Maritime Operations

Brazil (Força Aerea Brasileira)The FAB received 13 S-2As in 1961 and the were locally designated P-16As. After the carrier 'NAel Minas Gerais' was taken into service, the aircraft were deployed onboard regularly. Three S-2s were used for transport and called UP-16As by the Brazilians.

Venezuela (Armada Venezolana)Around 1974/1975 the AV received 6 S-2Es. These aircraft were supplemented in 1982 by 2 more. The main task was anti-submarine warfare and coastal patrols. The Trackers of the Venezuelan Navy have already left the active service and are kept in storage at naval air base Puerto Cabello.

Argentina (Comando Aviacion Naval Argentina)On Februari 6, 1962 the Argentinian Navy received six S-2As that were based at BAN Punta Indio. They later moved to BAN Comandante Espora. The Trackers were also frequently based onboard the aircraft carrier 'A.R.A Independencia' (V-1). In June 1967 one extra S-2F was added to the squadron.

Peru (Fuerza de Aviacion Naval)The 'flying navy' of Peru received a total of nine Grumman S-2E Trackers, that were delevered from 1976 on. After some accidents an S-2G was purchased in the 1980s. According to unconfirmed reports the Trackers are no longer in active service. The home base of the aircraft was Jorge Chávez (Lima).

Uruguay (Aviación Naval Uruguaya)
One of the smallest users of the Tracker was Uruguay. The aircraft were stationed at the air base of Laguna del Sauces, close to the capital Montivideo. The ANU received 3 S-2As and 3 S-2Gs, which had a general patrol task and took part of maritime exercises with neighouring countries and the US Navy. The Trackers are now in storage awating a possible decision to convert the to Turbo Trackers.

La Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya / Uruguayan Air Force Sole Jet Fighter

The sole jet fighter in the Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya "FAU" is the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly. Built as a more powerful attack derivative of the T-37 primary jet trainer, the A-37's operate alongside the PC.7's at Durazno. Their operating unit is Escuadrón Aereo 2 de Caza, part of Brigada Aérea II as well.
A total of 16 has been received which of course suffered some attrition since introduction in 1976. 275 depicted here is part of the original batch of eight orderd in 1975.

La Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya / Uruguayan Air Force

Wedged between Brazil and Argentina lies Uruguay. The country's Air Force can trace it's history back to 1913. Today's Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya is primarily tasked with border patrol, for instance to intercept narcotics smugglers. Other roles include transport and support of remote settlements. The Uruguayan Air Force do not operate more or less modern fighters, instead relying on armed trainers and a few counter insurgancy aircraft supplied by neighbouring Argentina. A wide range of liaison aircraft is being used alongside a pair of ex-USAF C-130B Hercules transports. As far as helicopters is concerned, the types used include ex-US Army UH-1H and ex-RAF Wessex HC.2.

The Cuban Mig-17, No.232 Which Helped the U.S. Republican Argument Toward the AWACS Program In 1969

The most famous event involving a Cuban MiG-17AS, was associated with the desertion of one of it's pilots to United States. This happened on October 5th 1969, when Cuban Air Force Lieutenant Eduardo Guerra Jimenez from the Santa Clara MIG-17AS Regiment landed his MiG-17AS N°232 at Homestead AFB during the same time that President Lyndon Johnson Boeing 707 "Air Force One" was at the base, when Johnson was on a scheduled visit to Miami.

The incident showed the vulnerability of America's airspace. This serious incident provoked debates within the U.S. Congress, where Republican Congressman Robert F. Sikes uses it as strong argument in favor of the Radar Program AWACS.

Fuerza Aerea Sandinsta Heavy Lift Helicopters of Central America

Sandinist president Daniel Ortega inherited a poor country with high rates of homelessness, illiteracy and insufficient health care. The new government established farming cooperatives, waged an education campaign and introduced an immunization program. However, military ties with revolutionary countries like Cuba and the Soviet Union were tightened, initializing huge investments in the Nicaraguan military infrastructure. As soon as 1980, the Sandinist government sent seventy cadets to Bulgaria for pilots training. Russian and Cuban advisors and construction teams were flown in to expand the military infrastructure, resulting in the construction and improvement of many airbases.

Large numbers of Mi-8 and Mi-25 assault and combat helicopters were delivered between 1981 and 1990, although many were lost to Contra fire. In 1992, most surviving Mi-25 Hinds were sold to Peru, alongside about twelve Mi-8MT Hips. Only about fifteen Hips remain in service.

Argentinean "Tail Hookers" Onboard The U.S.S. Ronald Reagan CVN-76

2004 Exercise "Gringo-Gaucho V" While operating of the coast of Argentina, within South Atlantic, the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan CVN-76 played host to the Argentinean Navy 2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque (2nd naval Fighter/Attack Sqd) operating the Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard and the Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina (Antisubmarine naval Sqd) operating the Grumman/IAI S-2T Turbo Tracker.

The Argentinean "Tail Hookers" took advantage of the Reagan's presences and got in a good amount of "Touch & Go's" which in Naval Aviation jargon is better known as a "Bloter".

Grumman S-2 Trackers in Argentina

The Grumman S-2 Tracker (previously S2F) was the first purpose-built, single airframe anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft to enter service with the US Navy.

The Argentine Navy received its first S-2A models in the 1960s and later used the improved S-2E from the aircraft carrier ARA 25 de Mayo. In the 1990s, they were upgraded with local software and by Israel with turboprop engines nicknamed S-2T Turbo Trackers. With the retirement of its unique aircraft carrier, the Argentines currently use them from the NAe São Paulo of the Brazilian Navy.

"Latin American Grumman Cats", Argentine Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panther's & F9F-6 Cougar's

Argentine Navy
The only foreign buyer of the F9F-5 Panther & F9F-6 Cougar was the Argentine Navy, who bought 24 ex-USN aircraft in 1958. The catapults on the then only Argentine carrier, ARA Independencia (V-1), were considered not powerful enough to launch the F9F-6, so the aircraft were land-based.
The Argentine F9F-6 Cougar's were involved in the general mobilization during the 1965 border clash between Argentina and Chile but no combat occurred. They were taken out of service in 1969 due to the lack of spare parts and replaced with A-4Q Skyhawks.[7]

Lockheed T-33 vs. Lockheed T-33 In The Skies Above Central America

Out of five T-33As the FAS inherited from the former FAGN, in 1979, at least two remained operational by 1987. One of them was last seen in derelict condition at the dump of Mangaua IAP, but still wearing clearly visible remnants of what appears to have been a five-colour camouflage pattern, in light and dark sand, light grey-blue, and two green colours. While on the available photographs of this wreck only the serial applied on the top of the fin in black (173) and the fin flash bellow it can be seen, photographs of another T-33A apparently taken at the same dump show also that the full Sandinista roundel was applied as well. Wether this was the case with "173" remains unknown. Interestingly, although there were time and again reports that the FAS still had at least two T-33As in service well into the 1980s, there are no reports about their combat deployments, and from narratives of former US mercenaries flying transports for Contras, it seems that they were never especially concerned about the possibility of being intercepted by any of Nicaraguan T-33s.

Another popular type within the FAGN became the Lockheed T-33A, the first - and so far the only - fighter jet in Nicaraguan service. The T-33s participated intensively in the fighting against the Sandinistas, during the 1960s and 1970s. Five airframes fell into Sandinista hands, in 1979, and at least two remained operational by the mid-1980s, offering the FAS at least a minimum of fast-jet capability. The example seen here, serialled 303, was last seen at Managua, in the late 1970s.

"Round Engines" Which Served The CIA In Central America

The CIA-backed Contras used many different types for moving supplies and fighters around different countries in Central America, but also for flights into Nicaragua. This photograph is showing a busy scene from Aguacate airfield, in Honduras, in 1983, and shows (clock-wise) DHC-7 Carribous, Lockheed Harpoon (or similar aircraft), another DHC-7, a DC-6, and a DC-3/C-47 in the foreground. Odd it looks much like Opa Locka Airport in Miami, Florida with so many vintage "Round Engines".

The Last Flying "Elefante" (Elephant) Within The Mexican Air Force

In April 2000, a couple of giant Mi-26T Halo were bought from Rostvertol, with this company providing training of FAM personnel at Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia. Named “Elefante” (Elephant) in FAM service, the Mi-26T was destined to provide heavy-lift capability to the newly created Disaster Relief Rapid Reaction Force “FARCD”.

The first Mi-26T, serial 1901, crashed in December 2001, as it was hauling an inoperable Mi-17 on sling south of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Both helicopters were lost an this left 1902 as the sole “Elefante” in service. Although at the time programmed, the required Mi-26T replacement was later cancelled. Ship number 1902, last Mexican Air Force flying "Elefante" (Elephant) and thus the largest helicopter operating in Latin America soldiers on, providing heavy lift capability in the 303rd Air Squadron.

Mexican Naval Aviation, The Mexican Naval Mil Mi-17's Russian Helo's

The Mexican Naval force received its first Mil Mi-17s on 15 March 1995, at the naval air station in Veracruz. After successful flight-testing, a total of 25 airframes were purchased via the Russian arms export company Rosobornoexport.

This was the first time for Mexico to acquire Russian-made equipment instead of more usual aircraft and helicopters purchased from the USA or Europe. Mexican Mi-17s made their first public appearance on 15 September 1995, participating on a military parade in Mexico City, astonishing the public by their size and sound. Meanwhile, Mexican naval Mi-17s are deployed in five squadrons, each operating five helicopters, including the following units:

PRIESCAMET (first squad)

SEGESCAMET (second squadron)

TERESCAMET (third squadron)

CUARESCAMET (fourth squadron)

Escamet stands for “Escuadron de ala movil de exploracion y transporte”– or Airmobile exploration and transport squadron.Primarily roles on these helicopters are cargo and personnel transport, support for the immediate reaction forces, ground and marine interception. Secondary roles are maritime surveillance of territorial waters, coast guard, close air support, infiltration and extraction of special forces, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance.

Argentinean Air Force First Ever Air to Air Combat Victory (In Shooting Down Their Own)

During the September 1955 'revolution', not only the Fuerza Aerea Argentina-(FAA) but also the rebels put Meteors in use. Because of this both sides were forced to apply additional recognition markings on their planes. The rebels used a large 'V', adorned by a cross and a legend 'Cristo vence' (Christ wins). Very few good photographs showing this insignia are available and most were taken during the 'Victory Parade', held at Cordoba after the coup. For this reason it remains unclear in which colour were these markings applied. Many of their details remain unknown as well. From available photographs, however, they were most likely applied in yellow or light blue. Note: The rebel markings in Meteors were hand painted in RED!

Serial: I-063 (lower photo) flown by officer J.Adras, on 16 June 1955, the FAA Meteor F.Mk.4 'I-063' shot down the AT-6A (top photo) flown by a rebel pilot, thus scoring the first ever air-to-air victory for the Argentinean air force.

Day-Light Sensative Caribbean Mig-17's Tucked Away From NRO's Orbiting Eyes

CLASSIFIED: During the 3rd Quarter of 2007 on a certain Caribbean Island, with a certain Capital City just South of Key West, Florida, roughly bearing GPS Coordinates of 23 degrees 07' 00.44"N - 82 degrees 23' 18.80"W with an Elevation of 99 feet, there is an airfield located South by South East, bearing 22 degrees 58' 12.06"N - 82 degrees 16' 29.81"W with an Elevation of 394 feet, where a certain Pentax K-1000 camera load with Kodak ASA 100 B & W film accomplished something that a U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Satellite may have not been able to do. The photographing of one of nine near perfect, well maintained flight ready example of a Mikoyan-Gurevich-Mig-17F "NATO Code Name Fresco-C" at this certain field.

Historical Milestones in Latin American Military Jet Aviation

With the end of World War II, developments in jet aviation were taking place very rapidly, following hard on the heels of actual use of jet aircraft by the Germans during the war. In Argentina, where Juan Perón was in power at the time, the postwar trade boom enabled Argentina to acquire the very first jet aircraft of any kind in Latin America in the form of not fewer than 100 Gloster Meteor F.4 fighters acquired from Great Britain starting in May 1948.

Needless to say, the Argentine initiative in acquiring jet fighters at a time when all other Latin American air forces were equipped with World War II vintage propeller driven aircraft prompted acquisitions in some very unlikely places. In the Dominican Republic, during the regime of Trujillo, 25 de Havilland Vampire F.1 fighter-bombers were purchased second-hand from Sweden in 1955, making the Dominican Republic the first jet-equipped air force in the Caribbean.
Later, still on the subject of jet aviation, the Honduran Air Force became the first Central American air army to field supersonic fighters when it acquired at least 21 Dassult Super Mystere B2’s in 1976. These airplanes are unique in all the world, as, before they were delivered from their former Israeli owners, they were re-engined with U.S.-built Pratt-Whitney J52 engines, this accounting for the extended exhaust area. Some of these aircraft are still in service in Honduras.
While jet fighters and fighter-bombers were one thing, jet bombers were another item all together. Venezuela tipped the balance of power in northern South America radically in April 1953. She acquired the first of a number of variants of the very capable English Electric Canberra light jet bombers. Subsequently, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Chile also acquired examples of the Canberra. Although some of these are still in service, the Canberra bears the distinction of being the only jet-propelled bomber to see service in Latin America.