While foreign powers closely observe developments in the South Atlantic, the Argentine Republic has just demonstrated its sovereign logistical capabilities. Last Monday at 4:30 p.m., the icebreaker ARA “Almirante Irízar” (RHAI) cast off from the commercial pier in Ushuaia, beginning the third and final stage of the 2025/26 Antarctic Summer Campaign (CAV) .

This was no ordinary movement. For three days of intense maneuvers, the capital of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands functioned as the vital hub that it is: the true bridge between the continent and the Argentine Antarctic sector.

The "Logistics Bridge": The return of the ARA Patagonia

One of the milestones of this phase was the participation of the logistics ship ARA “Patagonia” . Its presence in Ushuaia Bay alongside the Irízar and the aviso ARA “Puerto Argentino” symbolizes the recovery of fundamental naval capabilities for the country.

In an operation that exceeded expectations due to its speed and professionalism, the following were transferred to the Irízar:

Commander Martín Ignacio Villalba , captain of the "Patagonia", highlighted the "pride" of recovering these logistical capabilities, allowing the icebreaker to avoid returning to Buenos Aires and optimize its time in the area of operations.

Heading to the heart of the Argentine Antarctic

Having sailed more than 8,000 nautical miles in the second stage and assisting critical bases such as Belgrano II (the southernmost, accessible only by air using Sea King helicopters), the Irízar now faces missions of high strategic value:

1.    San Martín Base: The primary objective of this third trip is the complete resupply of this base, located west of the Antarctic Peninsula.

2.    Carlini and Esperanza Bases: Conclusion of the unloading of supplies for the crews that will winter there.

3.    Petrel Base: The aviso "Puerto Argentino" will be in charge of completing the tasks at Petrel, the ambitious project that seeks to turn this base into a state-of-the-art multimodal logistics center.

Science and Presence: The Anti-Colonial Message

Beyond supplies and fuel, the Irízar carries scientific sovereignty. Under the coordination of the Joint Antarctic Command (COCOANTAR) and the National Antarctic Directorate , studies are conducted on seismology, marine biology (cetaceans and birds), and climate change.

This deployment is the effective response to those who seek to challenge Argentina's rights. While foreign vessels flying the illegitimate flags of the occupied islands prowl the region, Argentina responds with infrastructure, specialized personnel, and logistics originating from Ushuaia, the capital of bicontinentalism.

The 2025/26 Antarctic Campaign is entering its final stretch, but the message is clear: Antarctica is not a territory waiting, it is Argentine territory in full exercise .

Fountain:

Marine Gazette