Chile's navy: building more than ships

The Chilean Navy has launched the Escotillón IV programme, aimed at renewing its ageing amphibious and military sealift capacity through the national construction of four common-platform, multi-role vessels.

The launch of the first platform, LPD-93 Magallanes, in June marked an important milestone, its significance extending far beyond the operational capability the ships themselves will deliver. This progress continued in August with the keel laying of LPD-94 Rapa Nui, reinforcing the continuity of the programme and its planned construction sequence.

The programme is set to strengthen Chile’s engineering expertise, systems integration, industrial processes and the involvement of national suppliers, gradually expanding the base of the national shipbuilding industry.

The programme

Escotillón IV comprises four amphibious and military sea transport vessels built around a common-platform concept and is structured in three construction phases. Phase I includes LPD-93 Magallanes and LPD-94 Rapa Nui, while Phases II and III will deliver one additional platform each. With Magallanes already afloat and Rapa Nui under construction, the programme has moved from the design phase into construction and systems integration.

The initiative will gradually renew the Chilean Navy’s amphibious and military sealift capacity by replacing its existing amphibious support fleet. Rather than replacing individual ships on a one-for-one basis,