Argentina restructures Navy through base transfers and asset sales

The Argentine government is implementing a major restructuring of the Navy, involving the transfer of military units and the sale of strategic state properties. Under the Plan Dédalo and Plan ARMA, the Base Aeronaval Punta Indio will be reduced to a mere station. This involves relocating the Naval Aviation School and maritime surveillance squadrons, including Beechcraft B-200 aircraft, to the Comandante Espora Base in Bahía Blanca.

This decision has sparked significant local opposition in Punta Indio. Residents, unions, and local officials warn of severe economic consequences, estimating a loss of over 400 million pesos per month in the local economy. The base is a major employer, currently supporting approximately 300 military and 185 civilian personnel.

Simultaneously, the administration has authorized the sale of several state-owned properties through the Agency for the Administration of State Assets (AABE). A key item is a 382,594-square-meter plot in Ushuaia belonging to the Navy. This site is considered geopolitically sensitive due to its proximity to access points for the South Atlantic and Antarctica. Other properties slated for sale are located in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Córdoba.