Brazilian Navy demonstrates leadership and capacity to attract investment in the region’s strategic sectors
By Marine Ranger (RM2-T) João Stilben – Brasília, DF
Last Thursday, November 16, the date on which National Blue Amazon Day is celebrated, the Brazilian Navy (MB) presented, in Cartagena, Colombia, the main strategic programs for strengthening naval capabilities in Latin America and the South Atlantic. At a seminar involving authorities from more than 15 countries, one of the focuses was the potential present in the Brazilian sea, which covers some 5.7 million km², where more than 95% of the country’s oil and 85% of its natural gas are produced, as well as 95% of foreign trade.
The MB’s Naval Attaché in Colombia, Marine Captain Luiggi Campany de Oliveira, explains that the Conference on Surface Warships & Patrol Vessels, where he spoke, is one of the world’s main venues for discussing maritime security and technological solutions and that, in this context, Brazil has been a regional leader.
According to him, recognition of the importance of the Blue Amazon has made industry and society aware of the need to invest in the sector, not just in defense, but to strengthen maritime power as a whole. “This includes wind energy, mineral exploration, fishing, transportation, tourism and research. After all, the resources obtained from maritime trade allow countries to invest in exploiting the resources of the sea, which in turn allows for the strengthening of the Navy, which provides for its protection,” he added.
Commander Luiggi took the audience through the challenges faced by Brazil in various areas, explaining how the development of the national maritime industry leads to the strengthening of Naval Power throughout the South Atlantic region. “National solutions to support offshore energy production, for example, can be adapted to combat various threats to our Blue Amazon, such as drug and arms trafficking, illegal fishing, environmental crimes and irregular migration, and can also be used to detect submerged naval mines,” he said.
This is the case of a naval drone manufactured by Brazilian companies – the USV Supressor, by Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais with Tidewise – which was developed as an unmanned ship to support the exploitation of offshore wind energy, thus harnessing and defending the potential of the Blue Amazon.
“Here in South America, I’m sure that all these countries see us in a very positive light. They see us not only as an inspiration, but also as a great potential partner for naval projects, both in the development of navies and, eventually, in the marketing of ships,” added Commander Luiggi.
Operating at a strategic level, the forum brings together Chiefs of Defense, Service Chiefs, Ministers and other senior officials committed to strengthening regional security cooperation by focusing on solving security challenges. In an increasingly globalized defence context, the adidancy in other countries facilitates the exchange of information and opens up space for international investment in the country’s public and private companies.
Among the main projects highlighted by the Attaché at the event were: the Navy’s Nuclear Program, the Submarine Program, the Blue Amazon Management System, the “Tamandaré” Class Frigate Program and the Anti-Surface Warfare Missile Project.
Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***