Frigate “Defensora” will represent the country in an international exercise off the coast of Africa
By First Lieutenant (RM2-T) Daniela Meireles
The frigate “Defensora” left the Naval Base in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) on Tuesday (23) for Simon’s Town, on the southwest coast of South Africa, where it will represent the Brazilian Navy (MB) in the 8th edition of the international maritime exercise “IBSAMAR” (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise). The Brazilian Naval Force is also participating with an AH-11B “Super Lynx” aircraft and a Combat Diver Detachment.
The training, scheduled for the first half of October, is the result of a strategic partnership between the three countries, which aims to improve their respective operational capabilities and increase synergy and cooperation in maritime security and the fight against crime. It also contributes to strengthening the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS), a forum set up by the United Nations to promote the maintenance of peace and security in the region.
After the end of “IBSAMAR”, the Brazilian ship will head to Namibia, where the Brazilian military will take part in the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Naval Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. The commitment is considered Brazil’s largest and longest cooperation with a country in Africa and a milestone in the Brazilian Navy’s collaboration for the creation and development of the naval wing of the Namibian Defense Forces.
According to the Commander of the Frigate “Defensora”, Frigate Captain Gustavo Almeida Matos de Carvalho, this will be an opportunity to strengthen three fields of action of the Brazilian Naval Power: naval defense, maritime security and naval diplomacy. “The activities contribute to consolidating favorable foreign relations for the country, as well as increasing ties of cooperation and friendship with relevant countries on the international stage,” he concludes.
“IBSAMAR” has been held every two years since 2008 (except 2020, due to the covid-19 pandemic), alternating between the coasts of India and South Africa, where more editions have been held. In addition to the frigate “Defensora”, the frigates “Independência” and “Niterói”, the corvette “Barroso” and the ocean patrol ship “Amazonas” have also represented Brazil in this exercise.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias