With high attendance and outstanding institutional and business participation, the British pavilion, known as the UK GREAT Zone, successfully concluded its presence at FIDAE 2026, establishing itself as one of the most important spaces within the International Air and Space Fair, held in Santiago, Chile, between 7-12 April 2026.
Organised by the British Embassy in Santiago and the British Chilean Chamber of Commerce, BritCham Chile, the UK GREAT Zone brought together leading UK companies with innovative solutions in the aerospace, defence, and security sectors, positioning itself as a key meeting point for technological exchange and strengthening bilateral relations.
In the lead-up to the event, on Monday 6 April, before the start of FIDAE 2026, a business networking event was hosted at the residence of the British Ambassador to Chile, Mr David Concar. This event brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to celebrate this important international gathering.
The first day of the fair was marked by a large turnout, with hundreds of visitors exploring the offerings of exhibiting companies in the UK GREAT Zone. The exhibiting British companies were
Inauguration ceremony
Traditional ribbon cutting. In the picture Chilean Minister of National Defence, Fernando Barros; British ambassador, David Concar; Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark George Jackson, and Defence Attache, Jason White.
In this context, the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony for the British pavilion took place with the participation of Chilean Minister of National Defence, Fernando Barros; the British Ambassador to Chile, David Concar, and the Executive Director of the British Chilean Chamber of Commerce, Elle Denton. Also in attendance were representatives of the British defence service, such as Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark George Jackson and the Defence Attaché in Chile, Jason Whit. This marked the start of the UK GREAT Zone’s activities and reflected the high level of bilateral relations in defence 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 programme, the UK GREAT Zone also incorporated a distinctive cultural component, notably a performance by bagpipers, who added a unique touch to the space, introducing attendees to British traditions and enriching the visitor experience.
The presence of the British defence delegation was another key element 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 British Chilean Chamber of Commerce in promoting high-level initiatives that foster bilateral cooperation.
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