# Argentine activity in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-activity-in-tierra-del-fuego-and-antarctica > Updated: 2026-09-13T00:03:15.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 3. Argentine officials have prioritized the development of the Integrated Naval Base in Tierra del Fuego. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Defense Minister Carlos Presti inspected the site to accelerate construction of the facility, which is intended to serve as a logistical, operational, and scientific hub to reinforce national presence in the South Atlantic and support geopolitical projections toward Antarctica. The project, which began in 2022, has an estimated total investment of between USD 400 million and USD 500 million. Recent updates indicate the government plans to include construction and operational costs in the 2027 Budget, with an estimated investment exceeding 300 billion pesos. The initiative is framed within Argentina's sovereignty claims over the Malvinas Islands. In a transition from planning to execution, the ministers met with Tierra del Fuego Governor Gustavo Melella and Vice Governor Mónica Urquiza in Ushuaia. Despite political differences, Governor Melella expressed support for the project, noting its importance for the province’s strategic position and regional sovereignty. To accelerate the process, the government intends to launch five to six simultaneous public tenders, with official work expected to commence on January 2, 2027. Major works are targeted for completion by mid-to-late 2029. The project is intended to be funded entirely through national resources without external financing. In related regional activity, the Judiciary of Tierra del Fuego conducted a virtual outreach program at Base Esperanza in Argentine Antarctica to provide education on digital safety. ## Claims - The construction of the Integrated Naval Base in Tierra del Fuego is being accelerated through a high-level visit by the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The base is not for military combat but will serve as a logistical, operational, and scientific hub for the South Atlantic and Antarctica. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The total estimated investment required for the base is between USD 400 million and USD 500 million. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The government has issued new sanctions against 15 international companies operating without authorization in the Malvinas. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Work on the naval base is expected to begin on January 2, 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The government will fund the project using its own resources and will not seek external financing. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Navy plans to launch five to six simultaneous public tenders to advance the project. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The infrastructure project includes the construction of a 585-meter pier. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The government aims to complete the main works of the base between mid and late 2029. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Argentina to build Integrated Naval Base in Ushuaia Argentina will build an Integrated Naval Base in Ushuaia, investing over 300 billion pesos to strengthen South Atlantic presence and Antarctic logistics, with completion expected by 2029. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-to-build-integrated-naval-base-in-ushuaia ### 2026-09-11: Tierra del Fuego Judiciary holds virtual outreach in Antarctica The Tierra del Fuego Judiciary held a virtual session with students at Base Esperanza in Antarctica to discuss internet safety and online gaming risks. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tierra-del-fuego-judiciary-holds-virtual-outreach-in-antarctica ### 2026-09-10: Argentina reactivates Integrated Naval Base construction in Ushuaia Argentina is reactivating the construction of the Integrated Naval Base in Ushuaia, a strategic logistical hub for the South Atlantic and Antarctica, with works expected to begin in January 2027. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ushuaia-mayor-discusses-geostrategy-and-naval-base-restart --- Cite as: Argentine activity in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-activity-in-tierra-del-fuego-and-antarctica