Four non-operational Tupi-class subs to be transfered from Brazil to Argentina.

Brazil recently agreed to transfer four of its German-made Tupi-class submarines to Argentina, as the Brazilian Navy is modernising its fleet of submarines.

One Tupi-class submarine of the Brazilian Navy (Picture Source: Baird Maritime)

Brazil is modernising its fleet of submarines, by acquiring Scorpene-class submarines from Naval Group (four are scheduled to be delivered every 12 to 18 months, with the first one to be delivered in 2020), and by building its first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2020s.

The transfer of Brazilian submarines to the Argentine Navy is a positive development for this one, as it suffered from a deadly accident in 2017, in which the Navy lost 44 submariners.

Yet, safety concerns are likely to resurface as the four Brazilian submarines are not currently operational and will, therefore, need to be repaired and refurbished before entering service in Argentina.