Argentina's Joint Maritime Command has deployed the ARA Piedrabuena Oceanic Patrol Vessel (OPV) to combat illegal fishing through Operation Grifon XVI in the country's territorial Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Atlantic amid an increase in clandestine operations by jiggers, most of them of Chinese origin.
Argentina has dropped out of this year's UNITAS annual naval exercises sponsored by the United States, with the participation of South American and other extra-region naval units, which are currently taking place in the Atlantic organized by Brazil.
Argentina's Joint Maritime Command (JMC) has denounced the presence of some 431 foreign boats near the country's South Atlantic territorial waters limit, it was reported. Around 80% of the vessels were said to be of Chinese origin.
Argentina's Defense Minister Jorge Taiana Friday took delivery of the new OPV ARA Storni (P-53) from France.
Argentina's latest Ocean Patrol Vessel, OPV, ARA Piedrabunea (P52), arrived at Mar del Plata where it was received in a ceremony headed by defence minister Agustín Rossi, the head of the Navy V/A Julio Horacio Guardia plus top military and government officials
The Argentine Navy last week took delivery in Concarneau, France, of the brand new Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV) 87 ARA Piedrabuena which is expected to arrive at its future home base in Mar del Plata to start operating along with her sister ship of the Gowind class, the ARA Bouchard, it was reported.
The Argentine navy second Ocean Patrol Vessel, OPV, named ARA Piedrabuena was launched last week in Piriou’s shipyards in Concarneau, France. This is the second of four OPVs acquired by the Argentine navy.