Chile has officially unveiled the T-40 Newen, a new-generation basic trainer developed by ENAER marking a key step in the modernisation of the Fuerza Aérea de Chile (FACh) training fleet.

Presented on 7 April 2026, the T-40 is designed to replace the long-serving ENAER T-35 Pillán of which 143 were produced and exported to several countries. The FACh has indicated a requirement for 33 aircraft pending approval of the programme.

The aircraft’s development began under the designation T-35 Pillán II with the prototype (X-201) first appearing in December 2024. In October 2025 the programme was renamed “Newen” reflecting Chilean heritage and signalling a new chapter in indigenous aircraft development. The unveiled aircraft now bearing serial number 160 in FACh markings highlights its intended operational role.

The current Pillán fleet originally 48 aircraft and later upgraded to T-35A1 standard continues to serve with the Escuela de Aviación Capitán Manuel Ávalos Prado at El Bosque in Santiago where ENAER’s facilities are also located and where the T-40 rollout took place.

Set to be a highlight at FIDAE 2026 the T-40 Newen underscores Chile’s continued investment in pilot training and its domestic aerospace industry. With its expected modern avionics and enhanced training capabilities the aircraft positions ENAER to build on the legacy of the Pillán both at home and potentially on the export market.