ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay (AFNS) —
Air force leaders from more than 20 countries gathered for the Conference of American Air Chiefs in Asunción, Paraguay, June 16-21.
CONJEFAMER, or Conferencia de los Jefes de las Fuerzas Aéreas Americanas in Spanish, brings together top air force leaders from across the Western Hemisphere to strengthen regional partnerships, enhance interoperability and align on shared security priorities.
Hosted by the Paraguayan Air Force and co-hosted by the United States Air Force, this year’s summit focused on building collective airpower capacity across the Americas to combat transnational threats, improve disaster response capabilities and advance multilateral airspace control initiatives.
“Today, Asunción becomes a center of integration for the Air Forces of the Americas,” said President Santiago Peña of Paraguay during his opening remarks. “We are united not by ideology or politics, but by a commitment to solidarity, trust, and the collective pursuit of peace and security. Our sovereignty must not be a wall—but a bridge toward shared responsibility.”
Operating under the coordination of the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces, CONJEFAMER 2025 featured joint planning sessions, working groups and panel discussions covering topics such as aerospace surveillance, regional wildfire response, air mobility operations and the use of airpower in humanitarian crises.
“SICOFAA is more than an annual meeting—it is an active, operational tool for cooperation,” said U.S. Air Force Col. David McIllece, SICOFAA Secretariat. “Its neutrality, professionalism and permanence make it a cornerstone of regional defense collaboration. When we act together, we amplify each other’s strengths.”
Leaders from across the hemisphere reaffirmed their support for the organization’s apolitical foundation and its tangible impact on real-world operations.
Representing the United States Air Force, Maj. Gen. David Mineau, Air Forces Southern commander, emphasized the value of partnerships cemented at CONJEFAMER and the need for deliberate, collective action.
“Maintaining peace and prosperity throughout the Americas requires active cooperation between partners,” Mineau said. “The strength of SICOFAA lies in its ability to bring nations together—not just to talk, but to act. The trust we build at CONJEFAMER enables real-world coordination when it matters most.”
Mineau highlighted recent examples of successful regional coordination through SICOFAA, including multinational humanitarian missions and firefighting support.
“SICOFAA is a leading example of the cooperation we need to ensure we achieve our mutual goals. The member nations work cohesively and constructively to provide humanitarian support anywhere on the continent at the time and place of need. Most recently, we have seen collaboration to successfully combat wildfires in several countries, to include the United States. All members contribute, regardless of size or capability. That’s a template for success in all partnerships.”
This year’s conference welcomed observers from Joint Inter-American Defense Agency, Association of African Air Forces and Inter-American Air Forces Academy, reflecting SICOFAA’s expanding influence and ongoing commitment to inclusive regional dialogue.
In addition to technical discussions, participants explored how air forces could better align their efforts to combat illicit air traffic, counter-narcotics activity and transnational organized crime—threats that no single nation can defeat alone.
“Organized crime does not respect borders—it exploits our divisions,” President Peña added. “That is why we must act together, systematically and decisively. United, we are strong. Together, we will prevail.”
Established in 1961, CONJEFAMER continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting hemispheric solidarity, fostering professional relationships, and enhancing collective defense through airpower.
The 65th edition reaffirmed a shared vision: air forces united not only by mission, but by mutual respect, trust and enduring friendship.
