Uncertain Seas

El Mercurio, May 25, page A2

Dear Director

In order to complement your timely editorial on the construction of frigates in Chile, it is important to add the international context in which this decision must be made. The second-hand market, which Chile often turns to, is currently scarce in ships that are in good condition and possess the required military capabilities. The limited availability is due to older vessels entering their second life cycle, which is the most expensive in terms of maintenance. Secondly, naval powers are not parting with their vessels. On the contrary, they are rearming in response to an international situation marked by uncertainty and a weakening of cooperative instances. The Pacific coasts are witnessing the accelerated naval construction programs of Australia, Canada, China, and Japan. In the region, our partners in Brazil have understood this. While we share the essence of your editorial, we believe it is relevant to highlight all of the above, as part of the great international respect that Chile commands today is due to its efficient and powerful navy. Any decision regarding the frigates and their construction will impact the country’s stature in the future. Delays come with their costs. Currently, this Antarctic nation does not have an icebreaker, precisely due to the gap between the decommissioning of the “Viel” and the construction of its replacement at ASMAR.

Juan Pablo Toro

Executive Director, AthenaLab