Beginning on August 13, the 37th edition of the operation will feature exercises between the “Liberal” frigate, the “Tikuna” submarine and Argentine ships and aircraft.
By Lieutenant Captain (RM2-T) Luciana Almeida
On August 13, the Brazilian Navy (MB) began Operation “Fraterno XXXVII”, in which the “Liberal” Frigate, with AH-11B “Super Lynx” aircraft on board, and the “Tikuna” Submarine are taking part. Until the 21st of this month, the Fleet will be carrying out combined naval operations with the Argentine Navy, in that country’s jurisdictional waters.
The aim is to help increase the level of training of the Brazilian Fleet’s assets, as well as promoting cooperation and closer ties of friendship with the Argentine Navy.
During the operation, Brazilian and Argentine military personnel will take part in firing exercises, using the main batteries and reaction firing with illuminating grenades; tactical maneuvers, which involve using the ships in different formations; exercises aimed at anti-submarine warfare at various levels of complexity; and transit under air threat, in which aircraft simulate attacks on the ships.
The Argentine Navy will use the Meko 140 “Espora” and “Rosales” class corvettes, the Meko 360 “La Argentina” and “Sarandi” class destroyers, and the “Almirante Storni” patrol ship, as well as the AS-555 (Fennec), T-34 (Mentor) and B-200 (Cormorán) aircraft.
South Atlantic Zone of Peace and Cooperation
Operation “Fraterno” has been taking place for more than 45 years and aims to help increase the interoperability of the Brazilian and Argentine Fleet, as well as strengthening the good relationship between these navies and initiatives in the regional context, such as the South Atlantic Zone of Peace and Cooperation (ZOPACAS).
The Brazilian Task Group for Operation “Fraterno” is commanded by Rear Admiral Nelson de Oliveira Leite, Commander of the Fleet’s 1st Division.
The Admiral says that the operation between two of the most important naval forces in the South Atlantic is fundamental to highlighting the capacity of these institutions to serve as an instrument of international relations and naval diplomacy.
“This initiative also allows our nations to take a closer look at the South Atlantic, a geographical area that is of substantial importance to all of us,” said Admiral Nelson Leite.
He also stressed the importance of concrete actions, such as Fraterno, in order to fully achieve the ideal of maintaining peace and security in the South Atlantic region, as envisioned by the ZOPACAS initiative.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias