South American countries seek enhanced Antarctic capabilities
Argentina, Brazil and Chile are modernising their Antarctic naval capabilities by building new icebreakers or procuring second-hand vessels.
All three countries have scientific and research civilian programmes in the region that require logistical support from their armed forces.
The Brazilian Navy in June released an RfP to procure a new Antarctic vessel, to be manufactured in Brazil.
The force intends to replace the oceanographic research vessel Ary Rongel, which was built in 1981 and entered service with the Brazilian Navy in 1994.
This new icebreaker will provide logistical and operational support for research projects by the Brazilian Antarctic Program (Proantar).
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