Ships and aircraft from both Forces carried out “tactical maneuvers” in Argentine Jurisdictional Waters
By Lieutenant Captain (RM2-T) Luciana Almeida
On Sunday morning (18), Argentine Jurisdictional Waters were the scene of several tactical maneuvers carried out by warships and aircraft from the Brazilian Navy (MB) and the Argentine Navy (ARA). The exercises are part of the maritime phase of Operation “Fraterno XXXVII”, which began on Saturday (17).
The Forces’ naval assets practiced approaching each other and maintaining their positions while sailing. These actions aim to improve the training of ships, allowing them to be prepared for the establishment of devices that increase the capacity for defense or attack at sea, enabling the control of maritime areas and the protection of maritime traffic and critical infrastructures of maritime power in the South Atlantic.
For the MB, the “Liberal” frigate took part, with the AH-11B “Super Lynx” aircraft on board; and for the ARA, the “Almirante Storni” patrol ship, the Meko 140 “Espora” and “Rosales” class corvettes, the Meko 360 “La Argentina” and “Sarandi” class destroyers and the AS-555 “Fennec” aircraft.
Anti-aircraft firing exercise
The ships also carried out an anti-aircraft firing exercise, in which they used their weapons systems against a simulated aerial target, represented by an illuminated grenade. The aim was to promote the maximum degree of reaction, while complying with safety instructions, from the detection of the target to the use of the weapons.
The 37th edition of Operation “FRATERNO” aims to contribute to increasing the level of training of the Brazilian Fleet and the Argentine Navy, as well as promoting cooperation and closer ties of friendship between these Forces. It also expands the naval presence in support of diplomatic actions and intensifies measures to foster mutual trust and international security.
So far, the Brazilian and Argentine military have carried out different activities at sea, which have consisted of using the ships in different formations; various exercises simulating anti-submarine warfare at various levels of complexity, with the participation of the MB Submarine “Tikuna”; as well as transit training under air threat, in which aircraft simulated attacks on the ships.
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 operations like this reinforce the continuity of a partnership that transcends borders and demonstrates the strength of the unity of the countries involved. “Over the years, our navies have worked side by side, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, always with the aim of guaranteeing peace and stability in our maritime areas,” he said.
Military exchanges
During the commission, ships from both countries exchanged liaison officers. Corvette Captain Nicolás Suarez, from the Argentine Navy, boarded the frigate “Liberal”, with the support of an Argentine aircraft that landed on the Brazilian ship, and Lieutenant Juliano Morales, from the Brazilian Navy, boarded the destroyer “Sarandí”.
“The exchange enriched me, personally and professionally, because I was able to see that, despite some minor differences in procedures and doctrines, we have many points in common,” said Lieutenant Juliano Morales.
For Argentinian Commander Nicolás Suárez, who had never sailed on an MB ship before, the experience was enriching. “I was able to take part in operations from another angle, I took part in preparation meetings, the routine of the Brazilian military and I saw many things in common between our ways of operating. It was an honor for me,” he said.
South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS)
Operation “Fraterno”, which has been taking place for over 45 years, contributes to increasing the interoperability of the Brazilian and Argentine Fleet, as well as strengthening the good relationship between these navies.
“Operation FRATERNO is a concrete initiative that allows us to take a firm step towards achieving the goal of maintaining peace and security in the South Atlantic region, as proposed by the ZOPACAS initiative, drawing the attention of our nations to the importance of the South Atlantic, a geographic region of great relevance to us,” concluded Admiral Nelson Leite.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias