15:44 | Callao (Callao region), Dec. 14.
The Peruvian Government is committed to strengthening and enhancing the Navy's operational capacity so as to continue fulfilling its duty to the homeland, as well as to bring State presence closer to the most remote populations, the
President of the Republic Pedro Castillo affirmed on Tuesday.
During his
participation in the graduation of 91 Navy ensigns, the Head of State indicated that the Government allocated S/32 million (about US$8 million) to start the construction of two Itinerant Social Action Platforms (PIAS) with the aim of bringing State-run services to Peruvians settled along the Ucayali River basin.
Likewise, the Commander-in-Chief pointed out that the incorporation of the Peruvian Navy Ship (BAP) Paita —the second multipurpose vessel built by the Navy Industrial Services (SIMA)— will allow the State to increase humanitarian aid missions, as well as support in situations of risk and natural disaster.
The Head of State indicated that four high-speed and versatile maritime interdiction patrol boats are under construction at the SIMA Callao shipyard. The boats will contribute to fighting against illegal fishing along the Peruvian sea.
Besides, the acquisition and modernization of four helicopters is in the final stage and will soon be transported from the United States.
Furthermore, the top official explained that the project to modernize and adapt a Fokker surveillance aircraft to an electronic surveillance aircraft is underway, adding that the Navy currently modernizes two submarines at the SIMA Callao shipyard, in an unprecedented effort in this part of the world —an effort that will conclude in the first quarter of 2022.
Within the framework of strengthening the Navy, Mr. Castillo said the process of acquiring an instruction aircraft for better training of naval air pilots in shorter periods of time has been completed.
Moreover, he mentioned that S/27 million (US$6.75 million) has been allocated to continue with the construction of the new Naval Air Base at Jorge Chavez Airport, adding that BAP Almirante (Admiral) Guise will be incorporated into the institution during the last days of December. It was donated by the Republic of Korea.
As part of the National Antarctic Policy, the President announced that Carrasco Oceanographic Ship will set sail from the Port of Callao to Antarctica on December 30, transporting the 28th Scientific Expedition that will carry out various research projects with the participation of public and private institutions.
"The mission entrusted by the country to the Navy is wide and varied; as the (Peruvian) State, we have a duty to strengthen its operational capacity, as we are also doing with the Air Force, the Army, and the National Police," he indicated.
Lastly, the Head of State stressed that the Armed Forces were and are always on the front line, as proven during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, as well as the fight against drug trafficking and terrorist remnants.
(END) NDP/VVS/MVB
Published: 12/14/2021