Argentine Navy's ARA Storni joins Brazil in joint naval Exercise Fraterno.

According to information published by Zona Militar on August 13, 2024, the Argentine Navy's ocean patrol vessel ARA Storni (P-53) has set sail from the Mar del Plata Naval Base this afternoon to commence its participation in the Combined Exercise "Fraterno" alongside units from the Brazilian Navy.
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Gowind-class offshore patrol vessel ARA Almirante Storni. (Picture source: Armada Argentina)

After completing its final preparations and the necessary phase of readiness, the ARA Storni departed to join other vessels already operating in Argentine waters, including the destroyer ARA Sarandí (D-13), the corvette ARA Espora, and the Brazilian Navy's frigate Liberal. In the initial phase of the exercise, the Argentine Navy's submarine ARA Tikuna will also take part in anti-submarine warfare training.

According to the Argentine Navy, the "Fraterno XXXVII" exercise will unfold in multiple phases, the first of which is focused on anti-submarine warfare.

This phase, which runs until August 15th, will involve various air and surface assets, including two T-34C-1 Turbo Mentor aircraft from the Naval Aviation School, a Beechcraft B-200 from the Naval Air Surveillance Squadron of the Argentine Navy, and a Lynx helicopter from the Brazilian Navy.

The objective of this initial phase is to conduct basic anti-submarine exercises, such as sonar tracking, search and attack simulations from surface units, and aerial reconnaissance of submarine appendages.

In addition to Fraterno, the two Navies collaborate on other initiatives such as the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS), which emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and security in the South Atlantic region. The Navies also engage in combined search and rescue exercises, like SAREX, which enhance their ability to coordinate in real-life emergencies.

The relationship between these two navies has been further strengthened by mutual defense agreements and shared participation in broader regional exercises, such as Unitas and Solidarex, where they join forces with other South American and international navies.