Antarctica Aviation

Antarctica Aviation • International Polar Support Operations

ANTARCTICA AVIATION • International Polar Support Operations
Antarctica Aviation Multi-National Personnel (Seasonal).

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
(incl Research Support units)

• AIRCRAFT No combat capable. Total aircraft varies by season.

Strategic Polar Airlift 1 unit (USA - Operation Deep Freeze) with:

• 10 Lockheed LC-130H Skibird (Ski-equipped; 5 active for 2024-2025 season).
• Note: US Congress is pushing to recapitalize this fleet with C-130J models due to readiness challenges.

Tactical Polar Transport / Liaison Multi-national units with:

• de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter (Argentina Detachments from 9th Air Brigade; Chile);
• Antonov An-74 (Designed for Arctic/Antarctic operations);
• CASA C-212 Aviocar (Chilean Army - equipped with wheel/ski gear);
• Antonov An-2 (Designated for polar use).

Rotary Wing Support Multi-national units with:

• Sikorsky S-61A (Japan - South Pole Observatory Group);
• Sikorsky S-61R (Argentina);
• Bell 212 (Argentina detachment from 7th Air Brigade);
• Aerospatiale SA.330 Puma (Chilean Army).

Capabilities & Role
Antarctica does not maintain a sovereign air force. Aviation activities are conducted under the Antarctic Treaty System primarily for scientific research support, search and rescue (SAR), and logistical resupply of permanent research stations.

Operations are spearheaded by the United States (Air National Guard), Argentina (1 Escuadron Antartico), and Chile (No. 4 Air Brigade). Specialized equipment such as wheel-ski landing gear and high-visibility paint schemes are standard for navigating ice and snowpack runways. Maritime surveillance and logistic support are further enhanced by specialized ice-breaking vessels, such as the Chilean icebreaker Almirante Viel, designed to support Antarctic aviation operations.

Lockheed Martin LC-130H Hercules (1984–Present) (This version is ski-equipped and not found at any other base in the Air Force)
Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules (1984–Present)

• FACILITIES
  Squadrons assigned
     109th Medical Group
     139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
     139th Airlift Squadron
  Bases stationed
     Stratton ANGB, New York (1948–Present)

Note: In its 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Recommendations, DoD recommended to realign Schenectady County Airport AGS by transferring four C-130H aircraft from the 109th Airlift Wing (ANG) to the 189th Airlift Wing (ANG), Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. This recommendation would distribute C-130 force structure to Little Rock, which would have higher military value. Adding aircraft to the ANG unit at Little Rock, Arkansas would create a larger, more effective squadron. The LC-130 aircraft (ski-equipped) would remain at Schenectady. This decision was not enacted. An effective lobby against the move was carried out by the Schenectady Military Affairs Council.


AUSTRALLIA
Royal Australian Air Force
Expeditions and Rescue Role

• FACILITIES
  RAAF Current Air Base: Laverton