As part of the process of incorporating new capabilities into its surface fleet, the Chilean Navy and the Turkish company HAVELSAN signed an agreement on March 27, 2025, for the modernization of its M-class frigates through the integration of the ADVENT CMS Combat Management System. This four-year project aims to fully integrate the system into both units, ensuring efficient interoperability with the systems and weaponry currently in service.
According to HAVELSAN, the ADVENT CMS Combat Management System, developed in collaboration with the Turkish Naval Forces Command, is designed to enhance situational awareness and combat capability in naval operations. Its implementation on the M-class frigates will enable the Chilean Navy to optimize threat detection, decision-making, and the management of onboard weapons and sensors, providing greater operational effectiveness.
With this agreement, Chile becomes the ninth country to adopt ADVENT CMS in its fleet, joining a growing international community that has incorporated this technology since its initial deployment on the Turkish Navy’s Ada-class corvette TCG Kinaliada (F-514). This system stands out for its ability to integrate with various naval platforms and its compliance with NATO standards, including tactical data links such as Link 16, 11, 22, SIMPLE, JREAP, and VMF.
Among its key features, ADVENT CMS offers a network-enabled structure for coordinated operations, an architecture adaptable to different types of units, and the ability to conduct training operations without interrupting operational missions. Additionally, it provides advanced data exploration tools and intelligence integration in operational environments, enabling a higher level of coordination in joint task forces.
This system will be integrated into the Chilean Navy’s M-class frigates Almirante Blanco Encalada (FF-15) and Almirante Riveros (FF-18). Both units were acquired under the Puente II Project and originally served in the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Almirante Blanco Encalada was commissioned in 1993 and transferred to Chile in 2005, while the Almirante Riveros, built in 1986, became part of the Chilean fleet in 2007.
These frigates have a displacement of 3,320 tons, a length of 122 meters, and a maximum speed of 30 knots. Their armament includes an OTO Melara 76/62 mm gun, 16 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, eight Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles, and four MK-46 torpedo launch tubes. Additionally, they feature a flight deck from which an embarked Cougar SH-32 helicopter operates with anti-submarine and anti-surface capabilities.
Cover image for illustrative purposes only.
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