The Frigate “Defensora” left the Rio de Janeiro Naval Base April 18 bound for the west coast of Africa. The ship of the Brazilian Fleet will represent the Brazilian Navy (MB) in Operations “Obangame Express 2025” and “GUINEX V”, in a mission lasting approximately three months. The mission reinforces the country’s commitment to international maritime security and to strengthening the Brazilian presence in the South Atlantic.
Initially, the Frigate will participate in “Obangame Express”, a multinational exercise coordinated by the United States, which brings together navies from Africa, Europe and the United States in actions aimed at combating illicit activities. Brazil has participated in the operation since 2014 and seeks, through this, to improve interoperability between forces and joint preparation for transnational threats.
The ship will then embark on “GUINEX V”, an annual initiative conceived and led by the Navy since 2021. The operation aims to promote cooperation with countries on the West African coast, contributing to the development of local capacities, the surveillance of jurisdictional waters and the protection of maritime resources in one of the most strategic regions for international trade.
During the mission, the Frigate “Defensora” will conduct combined tactical exercises, naval patrols, vessel inspections and training with friendly navies. These actions not only increase the level of readiness of Brazilian naval assets, but also foster dialogue and integration with participating nations, in line with the principles of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).
“The deployment of the ‘Defensora’ to the waters of the South Atlantic reaffirms the priority given by the Brazilian Navy to cooperation with African countries and regional stability. This is a mission of strategic value, which projects our Naval Power and consolidates Brazil as a reliable and active partner in the promotion of maritime security”, highlighted the Commander of the 1st Division of the Fleet, Rear Admiral Antonio Braz de Souza.
Operations “GUINEX V” and “Obangame Express” strengthen Brazil’s Naval Diplomacy and strategic presence in its Atlantic region, promoting actions that converge with national interests. Both aim, above all, to expand the capabilities of local navies to maintain jurisdiction over their territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones, in addition to encouraging coordination with extra-regional actors committed to peace and security at sea.
The Gulf of Guinea is considered an area of great importance to Brazil. Rich in oil, gas and other commodities, the region faces challenges such as political instability, failures in maritime governance and recurrence of illicit activities, such as piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and smuggling. As part of Brazil’s Strategic Surroundings, strengthening cooperation with African countries is considered essential for the protection of national interests and the stability of international maritime trade.
In addition to operational duties, the commission includes a calendar of naval diplomacy activities, such as receptions aboard the Frigate “Defensora”, visits to local authorities and technical exchanges with partner Navies. Scheduled to return to Brazil in July, the “Defensora” will continue to strengthen cooperation ties with countries on the African Atlantic coast and reaffirm the role of the Navy as an instrument of regional stability, integration between friendly nations and projection of the country’s strategic interests in the South Atlantic.