Ecuador Upgrades Their Sub Force

Ecuador has contracted with the Chilean yard ASMAR (Astillero y Maestranza de la Armada de Chile) for the modernization of two Type 209/1300 submarines. The contract includes work for new batteries, new periscopes, and a number of other improvements and modernizations, and should be completed in 2012. Upon completion of the yard work both submarines should be able to serve more twenty more years, according to the Navy of Ecuador.

The Navy of Ecuador ordered two submarines Type 209/1300 in 1974. The first, Shyri (S 101), was delivered at the end of 1977 and second, Huancavilca (S 102), at the beginning of 1978. Both submarines have had two previous modernizations and repairs conducted between 1983-1984, and then again between 1993-1994.

The modernization is part of the "Plan for strengthening the Naval Power" for Ecuador, possibly, including the purchase of two older Chilean frigates.

H/T: Bravil Naval Blog