In a press release, the management specifies that it is the first Portuguese submarine to carry out a mission of this type, “underlining that it is the first time that a national submarine crosses the equator”, this which “tests the operational logistics capability of the Navy”.
The “Open Sea 23.2” initiative aims to “develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation actions, within the framework, among others, of the “5+5 Defense” initiative, with Morocco”.
“During this period, the submarine ‘Arpão’ will also contribute to maritime security in an area of operations located in the South Atlantic Ocean, between the coasts of Brazil and those of West Africa”, said said the navy.
For 120 days, the submarine will visit two continents and five countries, namely Cape Verde, Brazil, South Africa, Angola and Morocco, “travelling more than 13,000 miles and totaling some 2,500 hours of sailing,” adding that the garrison will be commanded by Commander Taveira Pinto.
“The ‘Arpão’ mission will contribute to strengthening military and diplomatic cooperation relations between Portugal and each of the countries visited, with emphasis on the commemorations of Portugal, Camões and the Day of Portuguese Communities, which will take place this year in South Africa and attended by His Excellency the President of the Republic,” the statement said.
The navy also points out that “the operational characteristics of the submarine allow it to carry out discreet patrols at any time of the year and in any place, thus ensuring that waters under national sovereignty or jurisdiction, or any other where its presence is required, may benefit from an additional guarantee of safe navigation”.