In addition to issues related to the reequipment of the Armed Forces, during Report No. 139 to the Senate of the National Congress, the Cabinet Chief’s Office reported on the progress of the construction of the new Integrated Naval Base for the Argentine Navy in Ushuaia, province of Tierra del Fuego. The questions posed by the legislators revolved around the state of progress and issues related to the participation of the United States in its construction.
Firstly, in the response from the Chief of Cabinet, Nicolás José Posse, to the Senators, he highlighted the degree of progress in the construction of the Integrated Naval Base for the Argentine Navy, which is taking place “on the property belonging to the national state under the administration of the Argentine Navy, known as the Ushuaia Naval Base, where the Ushuaia Aeronaval Station (former city airport) is also located.”
Regarding the progress of the works, it was stated that: “As of December 31, 2023, the Integrated Naval Base of the Argentine Navy was at 9.13% physical progress and had executed 2500 million pesos in financial expenditure.” Adding: “To date, earthworks and the construction of the platform for one of the two sheds have been completed.”
When asked about the participation and involvement of the United States in the project, the Chief of Cabinet was categorical in stating that: “The Ministry of Defense reports that there has been no participation in drafting or negotiating a bilateral agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with the USA for the Integrated Naval Base in Ushuaia. To date, there is no agreement or contract that provides for the entry of foreign troops or their permanent establishment on national territory.”
He added regarding the future purpose of these new facilities: “The purpose is to provide logistical services (dock, warehouses, etc.) to the Navy units in Ushuaia, to the Navy under the operational control of the Antarctic Joint Command of the EMCO during the Antarctic Campaign, and to potentially assist foreign ships that require it.”
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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