Chilean Navy chief targets 2030 for indigenous frigates
Almirante Latorre (FFG-14), formerly HMAS Melbourne. (Photo: Chilean Navy)
Chilean naval planners and government policy-makers recently reiterated calls to build up a domestic shipbuilding capability, although the South American country still lacks the industrial depth to undertake major programmes independently.
Adm Julio Leiva Molina, Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Navy, stated the case in a recent webinar called ‘Construcción Naval Continua’ (Naval Construction Continues), asking: ‘Should we continue to buy [second-hand warships] or should we take a giant leap?’
Since the early 2000s, ASMAR has built four OPV80-class offshore patrol vessels and the oceanographic vessel Cabo de Hornos for the Chilean Navy.
An icebreaker is also under construction as the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.