Argentina Upgrades Petrel Antarctic Base Air and Maritime Facilities
The Argentine Armed Forces, along with private sector companies, have completed the upgrades to the landing facilities at the Petrel Antarctic base in the Antarctic Peninsula. In June, a medium-sized aircraft, Saab 340 from the Argentine Air Force, successfully landed on the new strip.
The 1,600 meter strip, with a 1,200 meter auxiliary band, is made of consolidated gravel. Pilots reported a smooth landing with no risks. Brazil, Czechia, and Uruguay have requested to use the facility, with a Hercules C130 trial pending for assurance.
The Argentine Defense ministry and Antarctic Office have indicated that Petrel will serve as a joint base for the three services and potentially become a vital gateway for Argentine interests in the Antarctic region by air and sea.
The Petrel project aims to enhance logistic capabilities in line with Argentine Antarctic Policy, including autonomous year-round operations, air landing facility revamping, and the construction of a 200-meter jetty for vessel operations.