Milei's Argentina reveals it is in talks with Germany & France to acquire 3 submarines.

According to information published by Defensa on May 20, 2024, for the first time under the current Argentine administration, Chief of Cabinet Nicolás Posse addressed the Senate to outline the government's defense policies. During a marathon session lasting several hours, Posse fielded numerous questions about the administration's stance on national defense.
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Argentine Type 209 diesel electrick attack submarine ARA Salta. (Picture source: Argentine MoD)

Posse revealed that Argentina is negotiating with French shipbuilder Naval Group and German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to acquire three submarines. This move aims to restore the country's lost submarine combat capability, a strategic necessity for maintaining balance in the South Atlantic.

The focus is on the Scorpene-class submarine from Naval Group and the Type 209 submarine from TKMS. Both companies have presented significant offers, but the selection and acquisition process will take years, especially given Argentina's challenging economic situation.

In the interim, Argentina is negotiating with Norway to acquire at least one Ula-class submarine. These cost-effective, technologically advanced submarines would serve as transitional vessels.

Currently, Argentina's submarine force relies on training support from friendly nations like Peru and Brazil. The Navy's plan is straightforward: acquire three conventionally powered attack submarines, with the possibility of partial assembly within Argentina.

Comparison between the Scorpene class and the Type 209

The Scorpene-class submarines, designed by the French company Naval Group, range in length from 66 to 82 meters, depending on the variant. They typically displace between 1,700 and 2,000 tons on the surface and require a crew of about 31 to 35 personnel.

These submarines are powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems with an option for Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) using MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous-Marine Autonome) technology, which extends their underwater endurance. The Scorpene-class is versatile, supporting missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, and intelligence gathering.

They are equipped with advanced sonar systems, including hull-mounted medium-frequency active/passive sonar, and can launch various weapons like SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and Black Shark torpedoes​.

On the other hand, the Type 209 submarines, developed by the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, have been a staple in many navies since their introduction. They typically measure 55 to 64 meters in length and displace between 1,100 and 1,600 tons on the surface.

Like the Scorpene-class, they also have a crew of about 30 to 35 personnel and offer an option for AIP. The Type 209 is known for its robust design and reliability, tailored primarily for coastal defense and anti-surface/anti-submarine operations. They are equipped with various torpedoes and mines, depending on customer specifications, and feature advanced sonar systems​​.