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Brazil is reusing Petrobras oil platforms to reinforce national defense!
According to air defense and naval, air platforms oil offshore of Petrobras, which for a long time served as centers of extraction of natural resources, are now being considered for a new strategic role, as well as mobile defense and supply bases.
A Petrobras, a Brazilian giant in the oil, in fact, has an extensive network of platforms on the coast of Brazil. These structures, with their imposing dimensions and ability to remain offshore for long periods, therefore offer a unique opportunity to reinforce the National security and support Navy operations.
But why does Brazil fear losing our “blue Amazon”?
A blue amazon is a vast maritime expanse that stretches across 5,7 million km², covering more than half of the Brazilian continental territory. This area, also known as Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE), is of strategic and economic importance for Brazil. But why does Brazil fear losing it?
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First, the blue amazon is rich in natural resources. Under its jurisdiction are the reserves of the pre-salt, from where approximately 85% of oil, 75% of natural gas e 45% of the fish produced in the country. Furthermore, more than 95% of Brazilian foreign trade is drained by ships through the maritime routes of that area. Therefore, any threat to sovereignty over blue amazon could significantly impact the national economy.
Secondly, this region is a birthplace of biodiversity still unexplored. Mineral resources like nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese they are present at great depths, offering opportunities for economic development and scientific research. Protecting this area is essential to preserve its natural wealth and guarantee Brazil's food and energy security.
The concept of Mobile Defense and Depot Platforms (MODEP)
The concept of Mobile Defense and Depot Platforms (MODEP), developed by Gibbs & Cox (a Leidos group company), aims to transform surplus oil platforms into highly armed and versatile bases. Presented at the exhibition Sea Air Space 2024, MODEP seeks to resolve challenges facing the United States Navy in the Western Pacific, especially regarding armament and resupply.
MODEP Key Features
- Mobility and Autonomy: MODEP is a “floating island” designed to operate independently for more than 12 months. Its ability to remain an ideal distance from the coast allows for greater strategic flexibility.
- Load and Energy Capacity: With massive space and load capacity, the MODEP offers up to 8000 metric tons of initial load, in addition to 6-20 MW of additional energy for various missions.
- Advanced Defense and Attack Missions: MODEP can accommodate up to 512 vertical launch cells (VLS) or 100 large missile launchers. This represents a capacity five times greater than a US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Furthermore, its height of 45-90 meters above the waterline provides ideal visibility and surveillance for associated sensors.
Benefits and future prospects
Converting oil platforms into mobile defense bases offers significant advantages over land-based systems. In addition to operational benefits, such as ammunition resupply and repairs, MODEP reduces risks and costs. Japan is also considering a similar conversion of offshore platforms. With the availability of commercial convertible platforms in the US, this solution can be implemented quickly and at low cost.
Therefore, the intelligent reuse of Petrobras oil platforms as mobile defense and supply bases can strengthen national security and contribute to the effectiveness of naval operations. The convergence between the oil industry and defense shows that sometimes the most innovative solutions lie deep below the surface of the sea.
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