Chile Boosts Domestic Shipbuilding with New Naval Shipbuilding Policy
Chile is taking significant steps to strengthen its naval capabilities. Recently, President Gabriel Boric signed a national naval shipbuilding policy aimed at revitalizing the country’s defense industry. This initiative will see the Chilean Navy utilize domestic shipyards as part of its ongoing fleet renewal program. The signing took place during a visit to the state-owned shipyard Asmar in Talcahuano, a key location for shipbuilding in the country. This policy marks a pivotal shift in how Chile approaches its naval construction, emphasizing local resources and expertise.
Strengthening National Sovereignty
The primary goal of the new naval construction policy is to enhance Chile’s sovereignty. By focusing on domestic shipyards, the Chilean Navy aims to reduce its reliance on foreign shipbuilders for critical defense platforms. President Boric emphasized that this move is not just about building ships; it is about asserting national independence in defense matters. The policy will enable the Navy to have more control over its fleet and ensure that it can respond effectively to national security needs.
In June of last year, President Boric tasked the Ministries of Defense and Economy, along with the Chilean Navy, to develop this policy. The collaborative effort aims to consolidate the country’s defense industry while fostering local expertise in shipbuilding. Asmar, the state-owned shipyard, has a long history of constructing auxiliary ships and is now poised to take on the challenge of building frigates. Rear Admiral José Miguel Hernández, Director of Asmar, expressed confidence in their capabilities, stating that the shipyard will handle the detailed engineering and construction of the frigates, while also collaborating with associated companies for system integration.
The policy also aims to expedite the delivery of four multipurpose vessels under the Escotillón IV project. The first vessel is nearing completion and is set to begin sea trials this year. The construction of the third and fourth vessels will commence soon, thanks to the newly established naval construction policy. This initiative is a significant step toward modernizing the Chilean Navy and enhancing its operational capabilities.
Modernizing the Fleet for Diverse Operations
The Escotillón IV project, launched in 2022, is a crucial part of the Chilean Navy’s modernization efforts. The project aims to improve the transport and logistics command, known as Comanfitran. The four multipurpose vessels are designed to operate effectively in the Pacific Ocean and navigate Antarctic waters during the summer months. These vessels will play a vital role in various operations, including naval logistics support, search and rescue missions, and humanitarian assistance during disasters.
Chile has already demonstrated its capacity to build large vessels, as seen with the commissioning of the new icebreaker Almirante Viel last year. The successful execution of the Escotillón IV project will further solidify the capabilities of the Chilean shipbuilding sector. By investing in local shipyards and fostering domestic production, Chile is not only enhancing its naval fleet but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth within the country.
The launch of the national naval shipbuilding policy represents a significant milestone for Chile. It underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities while promoting local industry. As the Chilean Navy embarks on this new chapter, the focus on domestic shipbuilding will pave the way for a more self-reliant and capable naval force.
