Argentina Begins Constructing Integrated Naval Base in Ushuaia

Argentina marked the opening ceremony for the construction of a new Integrated Naval Base near the southern city of Ushuaia which aims to strengthen the country’s military presence in Antarctica and the South Atlantic. 

“We are laying the foundations for the strengthening of the South Atlantic, the sovereign Argentine presence in its seas, on its lands and in the air defending sovereignty, because monitoring and controlling is the best guarantee of a future for our children and it is the best tribute we can pay to those who almost 40 years ago gave their lives for the country in the Malvinas War", highlighted Minister of Defense Jorge Taiana.

Argentina fought a short but bitter war with the U.K., in 1982 over control of the Falkland Island which Argentina refers to as the Malvinas. The dispute is still unresolved.

Argentina signed up to join China’s Belt-and-road economic initative in February 2022 and has received support against London’s control over the Falkland Islands which Argentina claims as its own.

Argentina is considering Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 for its light fighter jet procurement among a host of Russian, Chinese and European contenders. The country is facing an arms embargo from the U.K., over unsettled issues concerning the Falklands Islands.

The Minister of Defense expressed that "this Integrated Naval Base is also an example of the centrality that the State gives to this province in the perspective of a bicontinental country; that is why we also understand that it is necessary to strengthen the presence of the Armed Forces on Land del Fuego adding to the historical presence of the Navy, the Army and the Air Force,"  he said.

This new base, due to its location, will provide greater connectivity with Antarctica, which will enhance logistics and Antarctic scientific research and the strategic positioning of the country in the Atlantic, an Argentinian MoD release said.