The announced start of the navigation tests of the modernized submarine B.A.P. Chipana (SS-34) is good news that relieves the pressure on those responsible for the progress of the Peruvian Navy’s underwater capabilities recovery program; it has revived expectations, considering that it is currently a unique process of its kind in Latin America due to its high complexity, and it opens great prospects, including the probable construction or assembly of this type of vessel in the country.
The announcement comes after a long period of silence, since at the end of January this year SIMA Peru, responsible for the process, placed the submarine in the water to proceed with stability and watertightness tests, which have been successful. As October approaches, the Month of Grau – the greatest Peruvian naval hero and a period of institutional celebration – it is likely to expect a new announcement related to this revamped U-209/1200 type unit.
This is a strategic project that is part of the relaunching of the Peruvian naval industry, which benefits from the technical advice and technology transfer from the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). However, the delivery schedule has been delayed, generating concern among the naval institution’s leadership in general, and particularly within the century-old, experienced Submarine Force.
There are still other units, the B.A.P. Angamos (SS-31) and B.A.P. Pisagua (SS-33), waiting for their turn to undergo modernization, while work continues on the B.A.P. Antofagasta (SS-32), whose hull has already been cut, with engines and other old equipment removed.
For now, the only unit with full capabilities appears to be the BAP Pisagua, which is once again deployed in the Pacific Ocean off California, participating in the 2024 DESI (Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative) anti-submarine warfare exercises with the United States Navy.
Meanwhile, initial crews continue to hone their skills in national waters aboard the BAP Angamos and the two older 209/1100 submarines, BAP Islay (SS-35) and BAP Arica (SS-36), where Argentine submariners are also being trained.
The B.A.P. Chipana sails again
On September 23, the sea trials of the B.A.P. Chipana began, the first submarine modernized at the SIMA Callao facilities, with technical advice from the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems TKMS.
These tests are being carried out after maintenance of the electric propulsion motor and the total replacement of the power, auxiliary, and control wiring, as well as the configuration of the main and auxiliary panels and testing of the propulsion plant with the submarine moored at dock and at reduced speed.
According to the established schedule, we will continue with surface navigation tests, static immersion in shallow waters, periscope-depth immersion, and maximum-depth immersion, culminating with the sea acceptance tests of the new equipment installed on the submarine.
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