Future Warfare: " BAE to deliver naval guns for Brazilian patrol ships "

 

 

" BAE to deliver naval guns for Brazilian patrol ships "

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

22 July 2026

Published:  https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1179/bae-to-deliver-naval-guns-for-brazilian-patrol-ships

BAE Systems announced on 16 July the sale of two “state-of-the-art” Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems for Brazil. The guns will be installed aboard patrol vessels being built for the Brazilian Navy’s Patrol Vessel Construction Project (Programa de Obtenção de Navios-Patrulha: PRONAPA).

In its press release, the company explained that the guns are effective against a variety of targets, including drones, missiles, helicopters, swarming boats, surface vessels, and land targets. According to the company, the gun can switch “seamlessly” among ammunition types to deliver “versatile” targeting of air-, land- and sea-based threats. BAE also noted that Brazil already operates “dozens of Bofors 40 mm guns.”

CIMSEC: "Latin America: Donations and Sales of Second-hand Hulls"

 

 

"Latin America: Donations and Sales of Second-hand Hulls"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Southern Tide

Center for International Maritime Security

3 June, 2026

Published:  https://cimsec.org/latin-america-donations-and-sales-of-second-hand-hulls/ 

 

Written by Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, The Southern Tide addresses maritime security issues throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It discusses the challenges regional navies face including limited defense budgets, inter-state tensions, and transnational crimes. It also examines how these challenges influence current and future defense strategies, platform acquisitions, and relations with global powers.

Analyses of the status and strength of the US Navy, the Chinese Navy, and other global navies focus not only on the size of their respective fleets but also on the modernity of their hulls and their new capabilities, particularly vis-à-vis integrating new technologies. But what happens to decommissioned platforms that global naval powerhouses no longer operate? Some are kept in reserve or sent to scrapyards. However, many decommissioned vessels find a second life when sold or donated to partners and allies.

 

 

Zona Militar: "L3Harris incorporará la capacidad TTL&R en los submarinos de la Armada de EE.UU.: ¿deberían interesarse las armadas de Sudamérica?" / "L3Harris will TTL&R capability for US submarines, should South America be interested?"

 

 

"L3Harris incorporará la capacidad TTL&R en los submarinos de la Armada de EE.UU.: ¿deberían interesarse las armadas de Sudamérica?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

25 de Mayo del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/25/l3harris-incorporara-la-capacidad-ttlr-en-los-submarinos-de-la-armada-de-ee-uu-deberian-interesarse-las-armadas-de-sudamerica/ 

En marzo pasado, el gigante de la defensa L3Harris anunció un nuevo contrato para instalar una capacidad a bordo de los submarinos de la Armada de Estados Unidos (US Navy), específicamente el sistema Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTL&R), que permite desplegar y recuperar los vehículos submarinos autónomos (AUV) Iver4 900 de la compañía. Zona Militar conversó con Matt Graziano, vicepresidente de Estrategia y Desarrollo de Negocios Marítimos de L3Harris, para conocer más sobre este contrato y por qué las armadas sudamericanas deberían considerarlo de cara al futuro.

"L3Harris will TTL&R capability for US submarines, should South America be interested?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

25 May, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/05/25/l3harris-will-ttlr-capability-for-us-submarines-should-south-america-be-interested/ 

Back in March, the defense giant L3Harris announced a new contract to install a capability aboard US submarines, specifically the Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTL&R) system, which deploys and retrieves the company’s Iver4 900 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Zona Militar spoke with Matt Graziano, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Maritime at L3Harris, to learn more about this contract and why South American navies should consider it for the future.

Shephard: "Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards"

  

 

"Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard

21 May, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/latin-american-shipyards-partnerships-will-be-critical-for-future-projects/ 

 Multiple Latin American navies are modernising their fleets by prioritising domestically manufactured surface vessels and even submarines via international partnerships.

Janes: "Southern Command will operate Tsunamis USV and test autonomy systems"

 

 

 

"Southern Command will operate Tsunamis USV and test autonomy systems"

Alejandro Sanchez

Janes

15 May, 2026

Published: https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/defence/southern-command-will-operate-tsunamis-usv-and-test-autonomy-systems

Textron Systems announced, in a 30 April statement, that its Tsunami uncrewed surface vessels (USV) will be operated by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and its naval component, 4th Fleet, for three months. 

 

Shephard: "HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome"

 

 

"HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard

6 May, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/hhi-poised-start-submarine-production-peru-election-outcome/ 

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine. 

 

Future Warfare: " SAS 2026: New technologies to support the fleet "

 

 

" SAS 2026: New technologies to support the fleet "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare

28 April  2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1044/sas-2026-new-technologies-to-support-the-fleet 

 

The development of major naval technologies, such as warships and submarines, tends to dominate the news cycle. However, niche technologies are just as important for helping the fleet operate effectively. FW MAG spoke with several defense companies prior to and during the recent Sea Air Space (SAS) summit outside Washington, DC, about new systems and contracts for high-tech technology to support the US Navy. 

Future Warfare: " SAS 2026: Partnerships announced to develop Uncrewed Maritime Systems "

  

" SAS 2026: Partnerships announced to develop Uncrewed Maritime Systems "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

27 April, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1039/sas-2026-partnerships-announced-to-develop-uncrewed-maritime-systems 

Two major defense partnerships to develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) were announced during the recently concluded Sea Air Space expo, held at the National Harbor outside of Washington, DC. Hanwha USA will team up with Magnet Defense, while Anduril is teaming up with Kraken, HD Hyundai, and Edison Chouest Offshore.

The first announcement came from Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense. The two companies will team up to manufacture an 11.5 m (38-foot) medium uncrewed surface vessel (MUSV).

 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: BlackSea Tech unveils new COMET USV "

  

" SAS 2026: BlackSea Tech unveils new COMET USV "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

24 April, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1035/sas-2026-blacksea-tech-unveils-new-comet-usv 

 

At the Sea Air Space expo in Washington, D.C., BlackSea Technologies unveiled its new COMET Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). Additionally, the company showcased Gen II of its Global Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) called the CHASER, a small USV (sUSV). BlackSea spokesperson Jason Salata spoke with FW MAG at SAS about how modularity makes both systems ideal for a variety of missions, as many of their systems are already field- and combat-tested.

COMET is a large USV with multiple capabilities. The USV is 13.1 meters (43 feet) long, with a max speed of over 45 knots and the capability to carry 4,535 kg (10,000 pounds) in payload. At SAS, the platform displayed had two HELLFIRE missiles, two M-9X SIDEWINDER missiles, a Leonardo DRS RADA radar system, and even a second payload bay for a gun system. “The missile capability makes COMET ideal for air defense missions,” Salata told FW MAG.

 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: MARTAC announces upcoming USV delivery to the Philippines, new projects "

 

 

" SAS 2026: MARTAC announces upcoming USV delivery to the Philippines, new projects "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

23 April, 2024

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1032/sas-2026-martac-announces-upcoming-usv-delivery-to-the-philippines-new-projects 

At the Sea Air Space expo at the National Harbor, outside of Washington, DC, FW MAG spoke with Seamus Flatley, Chief Growth Officer at the Florida-based MARTAC Systems. The company discussed with FW Mag its upcoming deliveries and projects to expand its family of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for new missions.

The company delivered one DEVIL RAY T-38 and four T-12 USVs to the Philippine Navy in July of 2024. Two additional T-38s will be delivered in May of this year, MARTAC confirmed exclusively to FW MAG. Flatley added that his company has “ongoing discussions about future opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” The T-38s are equipped with the launch-and-recovery system manufactured by the Israeli company Sealartec.

 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: Saildrone unveils new SPECTRE USV "

 

" SAS 2026: Saildrone unveils new SPECTRE USV "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

21 April, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1026/sas-2026-saildrone-unveils-new-spectre-usv 

At the Sea Air Space (SAS) expo outside Washington, DC, Saildrone unveiled the design of its brand-new SPECTRE uncrewed surface vessel (USV). FW MAG attended a media briefing with Saildrone at SAS on Monday, 20 April, to learn more about SPECTRE. 

Future Warfare: "Controlling the Maritime Swarm: are we there yet?"

 

 

"Controlling the Maritime Swarm: are we there yet?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

 FW Mag 2/26

P 58 - 63 

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/magazine 

 

 

Zona Militar: " Textron presenta el MMUSV mientras la Armada de EE. UU. anuncia una nueva estrategia para la adopción de sistemas no tripulados" / "Textron unveils MMUSV as US Navy announces new strategy"

 

 "Textron presenta el MMUSV mientras la Armada de EE. UU. anuncia una nueva estrategia para la adopción de sistemas no tripulados"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

12 de Febrero del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/02/12/textron-presenta-el-mmusv-mientras-la-armada-de-ee-uu-anuncia-una-nueva-estrategia-para-la-adopcion-de-sistemas-no-tripulados/

 

"Textron unveils MMUSV as US Navy announces new strategy"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

12 February 2026

Published:  https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/12/textron-unveils-mmusv-as-us-navy-announces-new-strategy/

CIMSEC: "Increase Collaboration with South America to Protect U.S. Antarctic Interests"

 

 

"Increase Collaboration with South America to Protect U.S. Antarctic Interests"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and William Muntean

25 November 2025 

Published: https://cimsec.org/increase-collaboration-with-south-america-to-protect-u-s-antarctic-interests/

 

The United States has significant national interests in Antarctica, but it currently lacks the maritime capacity to secure them. The United States sent more commercial vessels (42) and citizens (over 50,000) to the Southern Ocean than any other country during the 2023/2024 season. The United States, unlike many other nations, can also conduct unannounced inspections of stations and equipment in the region. However, the U.S. government is reducing its icebreaker capacity in the region by removing two vessels from service, continuing to rely on one heavy icebreaker that is beyond its expected service life. As of this writing, the United States has yet to take concrete steps to design and build appropriate vessels to ensure continued access in the region.

 

While Washington has acted to eventually address icebreaker shortcomings in the Arctic, it has not taken similar steps to protect its Antarctic interests. Therefore, as it starts the lengthy process of planning and building Polar Security Cutters for Antarctic operations, the United States should increase its collaboration with South American countries. Doing so will strengthen already-positive relations with key South American countries, protect American citizens and economic interests, and help the United States leverage Antarctic Treaty provisions to maintain peace in the region amid growing geopolitical interests. 

 

 

Zona Militar: "Airbus avanza en el desarrollo del nuevo drone logístico VTOL MQ-72C para equipar al Cuerpo de Marines de EE.UU." / "Airbus advances in the development of the new MQ-72C VTOL logistics drone to equip the U.S. Marine Corps"

 

"Airbus avanza en el desarrollo del nuevo drone logístico VTOL MQ-72C para equipar al Cuerpo de Marines de EE.UU."

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

15 de Noviembre, 2025

 Publichado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2025/11/15/airbus-avanza-en-el-desarrollo-del-nuevo-drone-logistico-vtol-mq-72c-para-equipar-al-cuerpo-de-marines-de-ee-uu/

La empresa de defensa Airbus está desarrollando el nuevo MQ-72C Logistics Connector para el Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos (USMC). En resumen, el Logistics Connector es un dron helicóptero: un sistema aéreo no tripulado (UAS) autónomo de despegue y aterrizaje vertical (VTOL) capaz de transportar grandes cantidades de carga; esta capacidad puede ser invaluable para fuerzas armadas que necesiten trasladar equipo a entornos disputados o a áreas donde las operaciones de abastecimiento por tierra resultan difíciles. Zona Militar habló con Carl Forsling, gerente sénior de Desarrollo Comercial de Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, sobre el futuro de este programa y por qué las fuerzas armadas latinoamericanas deberían prestarle atención.

"Airbus advances in the development of the new MQ-72C VTOL logistics drone to equip the U.S. Marine Corps"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

15 November, 2025

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/11/15/airbus-advances-in-the-development-of-the-new-mq-72c-vtol-logistics-drone-to-equip-the-u-s-marine-corps/

The defense company Airbus is developing a MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps (USMC). To summarize, the Logistics Connector is a helicopter drone: an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) capable of carrying significant quantities of cargo; this capability can be invaluable for militaries that want to transport equipment to contested environments or areas where supplying operations by land are challenging. Zona Militar spoke with Carl Forsling Senior Business Development Manager for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, about the future of this program and why Latin American militaries should take notice.

 

 

 

Shephard: "Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high"

  

"Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Shephard

12 November, 2025

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/analysis-south-american-domestic-drone-programmes-fly-high

 

While South American militaries will continue to import drone technology from extra-regional suppliers, the successful test of a locally manufactured kamikaze drone by the Brazilian Navy demonstrates the rising role of “made in South America” systems.

 

Armed forces across the globe are increasingly interested in uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) due to their ability to support a variety of missions: combat, reconnaissance and even disaster relief. South America is keeping up. Recent developments in the militaries and defence industries of Brazil and Colombia are examples of the current strong momentum, as many armed forces focus their efforts on locally produced drone options.

 

 

 

Shephard: "Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet"

 

"Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Shephard

27 October 2025

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/advances-in-usv-tech-help-develop-tomorrows-hybrid-fleet/

As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.

The revolution of autonomous systems is not occurring solely on land and in the air. Uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and systems that can be integrated aboard these vessels – some of which are meant to defeat other uncrewed systems – are being produced, tested and fielded. 

 

 

Presentation: "Las Operaciones de las Armadas de América Latina y el Caribe contra la Pesca Ilegal: El Futuro de las Flotas"

 

 

"Las Operaciones de las Armadas de América Latina y el Caribe contra la Pesca Ilegal: El Futuro de las Flotas"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

CONFERENCIA DE PROTECCIÓN AL MEDIO AMBIENTE

Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Washington, DC

17 de Septiembre del 2025 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0-HF5SXtps 

Book Chapters in: “Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America”

 

Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America

 Henrik Shilling and Anne Runhaar (Eds)

ISPK Seapower Series

Vol. 6, First Edition, 2025

Nomos, Baden-Baden  

Chapter: "Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America" p. 23-42

Chapter: "IUU Fishing and South American Navies" p. 159-172

https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/en/document/view/detail/uuid/a0885c17-cad1-3152-9408-7bd601824bd2 

 

 

Breaking Defense: " As US military boosts posture in Caribbean, how does Venezuela’s navy stack up? "

 

"As US military boosts posture in Caribbean, how does Venezuela’s navy stack up?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking Defense

8 October 2025

Published: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/10/as-us-military-boosts-posture-in-caribbean-how-does-venezuelas-navy-stack-up/ 

Official information is tough to come by, but analysts say open questions abound about Caracas’ biggest ticket vessels.

WASHINGTON — In response to an American buildup in the Caribbean, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pledged there is “no way” the US could invade the South American nation, as the nation was well prepared to defend its sovereignty.

And while Maduro may be handing out weapons to civilians to aid any fight on land, the potential for conflict — and the presence of US Navy ships in the region — also raises the question of Venezuelan capabilities at sea.