Argentina's Navy gets even closer to US Navy.

According to information published by the US DoD on May 31, 2024, the U.S. Navy conducted a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercise with the Argentine Navy in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Argentine naval special forces operating in a rigid-hull inflatable boat. (Picture source: US DoD)

The exercise featured Argentine naval special forces approaching the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) in a rigid-hull inflatable boat. This operation is part of the broader Southern Seas 2024 deployment, which includes the USS George Washington.

Focus on naval relations between Argentina and the United States

Under President Javier Milei, Argentina and the United States have significantly realigned their military relationship.

A central aspect of this evolving partnership is the establishment of an integrated naval base in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina. This base is strategically important as it faces the Strait of Magellan and is close to Antarctica. The collaboration on this base is intended to enhance logistical capabilities for both countries and serve as a critical point for repair and resupply operations for commercial and military vessels. This move is part of a broader strategy to assert Argentina's sovereign rights in Antarctica.

In addition to the naval base, Argentina has also agreed to joint naval training exercises with the U.S. Coast Guard to protect its fishing resources. This proposal includes allowing the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James to patrol Argentine waters, a move that has sparked debate within the Argentine Congress regarding national sovereignty and the presence of foreign military forces​​.

The U.S. has also provided significant military support to Argentina, including the donation of a C-130H Hercules aircraft and discussions on supplying P-3 surveillance planes and other maritime patrol equipment.