Uruguay buys two deep-sea patrol vessels from Spanish shipyard

The Uruguayan Ministry of National Defense confirmed the acquisition of two ocean patrol vessels from Spain’s Cardama Shipyard.

This EUR82 million deal, equivalent to around US$92 million, was revealed at a press briefing led by the Minister of National Defense, Javier García, and attended by other high-ranking defense officials.

The newly purchased vessels are expected to bolster the country’s maritime capabilities.

García emphasized their role in upholding national sovereignty at sea, facilitating the protection of natural resources, and deterring illicit activities.

Cardama Shipyard, a Vigo-based firm founded in 1916, initially known for wooden ship construction and repair, was selected from eight contenders.

García commended their proposal as the most cost-effective and efficient, assuring the quickest delivery of the 86.7-meter-long vessels, each equipped with a 30-millimeter main gun, a hangar, and a helicopter platform.

The Spanish newspaper, El País, reports that the first vessel will be delivered at the start of 2025, followed by the second one at the year’s end.

These additions, alongside three Protector class ships, received in 2022 and a potential donation from the Republic of Korea, represent a significant modernization of the National Navy’s fleet.