Jorge Rojas Ávila

Jorge Rojas Ávila (born 22 August 1953) is a retired Chilean Air Force officer and fighter pilot who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh) from 2010 to 2014.

Early life and education

Rojas was born in Santiago, Chile, on 22 August 1953. After attending Colegio San Juan Evangelista, he entered the Captain Manuel Ávalos Prado Aviation School in 1969 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Branch on 1 January 1974.

He specialised as a fighter pilot and accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours during his career. Rojas graduated as a staff officer from the Air War Academy, where he later taught logistics, and also completed the senior command course at the Air War College in the United States.

Air Force career

Rojas developed much of his professional career in combat aviation. During 1995 and 1996, he commanded Aviation Group No. 8 at Antofagasta, becoming the first commander of the unit following the incorporation of the Mirage Elkan fighter aircraft. He had previously participated in the acquisition programme for the aircraft.

In 1999, with the rank of colonel, Rojas was appointed director of the Captain Manuel Ávalos Prado Aviation School. He subsequently served abroad as air attaché at the Chilean embassy in France.

Rojas was promoted to Air Brigade General in 2002 and appointed Commander-in-Chief of the I Air Brigade. The following year, he assumed command of the V Air Brigade, and in 2004 he became director of operations of the Chilean Air Force.

In 2005, he was promoted to Aviation General and appointed commander of the Combat Command. In 2009, he became commander of the Logistics Command and also served as president of the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE).

Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force

Rojas was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force in 2010, succeeding General Ricardo Ortega Perrier. He was promoted to General of the Air and formally assumed command on 5 November 2010.

During his tenure, the Air Force continued the incorporation of new weapons systems, strategic transport aircraft, helicopters, air-defence systems and surveillance equipment. The service also participated in international exercises including Solidaridad, Cooperación, Cruzex and Salitre.

His command coincided with the launch of the FASat-Charlie Earth observation satellite and the establishment of the joint scientific station at Union Glacier. The Air Force also reactivated Maquehue Air Base in Temuco and inaugurated a new institutional headquarters in Santiago.

Rojas's administration implemented the concept of "Force Protection", establishing specialised units responsible for protecting air bases and aircraft. His tenure also saw reforms to the Air Force's educational and training processes.

In March 2014, the institution promulgated a new Air Force Ordinance, intended to consolidate the basic rules and principles governing the professional conduct of Air Force personnel.

Rojas completed his four-year term on 5 November 2014 and was succeeded by General Jorge Robles Mella.