MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Naval and air exercises in the Pacific and Mercosur

Chilean frigate “Almirante Williams”, former HMS Sheffield, left Valparaiso Monday to participate in the naval exercise “Operation America 2005” together with units from neighbouring countries.

The multinational "Unitas" operation in its Pacific and Caribbean legs will extend from July 8 to 25. Following that the Chilean frigate will be involved in the Panamax 2005 exercise in the Gulf of Panama August 4/18.

On its return home "Admiral Williams" will join the Ecuadorian navy in the Passex exercise, coordinating patrolling and passage activities along neighbouring coastal areas.

Meantime the Brazilian and Argentine Air Forces are currently participating in operation "Platas III" which will extend until next July 2.

The exercise in the framework of closer Mercosur links at military level is taking place in the northeast Argentine border with Brazil and looks to prove the effectiveness of the Air Space Control System in the Northeast Defence.

Both Air Forces will also test coordination and information exchange related to illegal or irregular air transit in the common northeast zone. A total 160 servicemen are involved operating from Resistencia and Posadas on the Argentine side, and Alegrete and Santa Maria in Brazil.

Argentine aircrafts include Pucara, Morane Saulnier and Seneca. The Brazilians are using T 27 Tucano interceptors, AT-26 Xavante and Cessna Carvans as intruders. Uruguay is acting as an observer of the "Platas III" exercise.