HMS Protector has been used for Antarctic patrol duties and in the militarization of disputed territories. Its recent maintenance period at the Chilean Navy's Talcahuano industrial plant and its participation in the Unitas Chile 2024 naval exercise should be viewed with special attention.
These military activities not only threaten Argentine sovereignty, but can also be interpreted as provocations that destabilise peace in the region.
HMS Protector's mission includes surveillance and support for scientific research in areas Argentina claims as its own, making it all the more urgent for the national government to reaffirm its position regarding sovereignty over the South Atlantic islands.
These British military operations seek not only to explore and supervise, but also to assert colonialist control over territories and resources that rightfully belong to Argentina.
The construction and operation of ships such as HMS Protector, with its modern logistics and research capabilities, highlights Britain's priorities in a context where the region is rich in natural resources and strategically significant.
The British Ministry of Defence's decision to purchase HMS Protector in 2013 for more than £50m reflects a significant interest in securing dominance in the waters surrounding the Malvinas and other islands.
This ship demonstrates the United Kingdom's intention to reaffirm its illegitimate presence in our region, defying international resolutions and the recognition of the global community in favour of Argentine sovereignty, in a context of increasing British militarisation in the region.
Technical Characteristics of HMS Protector:
Length: 89.7 m
Branch: 18 m
Draft: 8.35 m
Displacement: 4,985 tons
Capacity: Up to 100 crew and passengers
Power: Two Rolls-Royce BR-8 diesel engines of 3,535 kW each, with a maximum speed of 15 knots
Cranes: A 60-ton main crane, a 12.5-ton crane for remotely operated vehicles and a 25-ton utility crane
Cargo capacity: 156 m³ of aviation fuel, 1,512 m³ of fuel oil and 169 m³ of drinking water
Equipment: Includes rigid inflatable boats and a research launch, capable of transporting small vehicles and quad bikes for research or military purposes.
The presence of HMS Protector in the South Atlantic is a constant reminder of Argentina's struggle for its sovereignty. In a context of increasing British militarisation, it is essential that the country reiterates its commitment to sovereignty and the defence of its territory, seeking support from the international community to assert its rights over the southern archipelagos.
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