Argentina and Brazil begin the maritime phase of Exercise Fraterno XXXIX

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The Argentine and Brazilian Navies have completed the maritime phase of Exercise Fraterno XXXIX, following port activities at the Puerto Belgrano and Mar del Plata naval bases. The force comprises eight ships and a submarine, as well as helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, for joint drills in Argentine waters.

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Fraterno XXXIX is the 39th edition of this bilateral exercise, representing almost five decades of co-operation between the two navies. Activities alternate between Argentine and Brazilian waters, with officers from both nations taking part in operations intended to strengthen interoperability.

Argentine and Brazilian ships deployed

The Argentine Navy is taking part in this edition with five naval units. Its contingent consists of the MEKO 360-class destroyer ARA La Argentina (D11), the MEKO 140-class corvettes ARA Espora (P41) and ARA Robinson (P45), the offshore patrol vessel ARA Storni (P53), and the logistics ship ARA Patagonia (B1).

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The Brazilian Navy detachment comprises four units: the frigate Tamandaré (F200), the frigate União (F45), the submarine rescue ship Guillobel (K120), and the Riachuelo-class submarine Humaitá (S41).

The participation of Tamandaré is one of the notable features of the Brazilian detachment. The vessel entered service with the Brazilian Navy in April 2016 and is taking part in an international exercise in Argentine waters for the first time.

The first Riachuelo-class submarine in the Argentine Sea

The submarine Humaitá (S41) arrived at Mar del Plata Naval Base on 14 August, home to the Argentine Navy's Submarine Force. Its arrival marks the first operation by a Riachuelo-class submarine in Argentine Sea waters.

Humaitá reached the base after departing Brazil and after the Final Planning Conference held at Puerto Belgrano Naval Base. At that meeting, the two navies established the operational details of the activities, which are expected to last around twelve days.

Air defence and helicopter operations

The maritime phase opened with the EXTEP-9 Air Defence exercise. During the activity, T-34C-1 Turbo Mentor aircraft from the Naval Aviation School carried out simulated attacks against the participating units.

The destroyer ARA La Argentina subsequently received a Brazilian Naval Aviation Super Lynx helicopter. The aircraft conducted Landing and Recovery (PAYR) drills on the Argentine ship's flight deck as part of the scheduled exercise activities.

The forces also carried out a simulated Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) using a Sea King helicopter from ARA La Argentina. In addition, the Task Force's FHOPOEX event included the launch of a Lynx helicopter from the Brazilian frigate Tamandaré.

Joint air and naval deployment exercise

Exercise Fraterno XXXIX includes operations between the Puerto Belgrano and Mar del Plata naval bases, involving surface units, submarines and aircraft. The deployment is intended to create the conditions for joint training through exercises requiring co-ordination among the participating forces.

Authorisation for foreign troops to enter Argentine territory provided further details on the Brazilian assets assigned to the exercise. With the maritime phase under way, units from both countries are moving into the operational stage of Fraterno XXXIX, maintaining the framework of bilateral naval co-operation.

Image credits: Zona Militar.