The Argentine government is moving forward with the purchase of Scorpene submarines, a key tool for the protection of marine resources and sovereignty over the Argentine Sea. This acquisition seeks to recover capabilities lost after the sinking of the ARA San Juan and strengthen the Navy in a context of diplomatic tensions over the wealth of the South Atlantic.
The recent move by the Argentine government to acquire Scorpene submarines, led by Defense Minister Luis Petri and supported by President Javier Milei, represents a fundamental step in the defense of the country's sovereign maritime spaces.
This initiative It seeks not only to recover the operational capabilities lost after the tragic sinking of the ARA San Juan in 2017, but also to strengthen national sovereignty over the Argentine Sea, one of the most strategic areas rich in natural resources in the country.
The Argentine Sea is a territory of vital importance, not only for marine biodiversity and global food security, but also for Argentina's economic development. With a rich variety of fishery resources such as Illex squid, hake hubbsi, shrimp and black hake, as well as significant reserves of hydrocarbons and minerals, this sea has been the subject of constant international disputes. The presence of foreign fleets, illegal fishing and the unilateral control of the United Kingdom over the waters near the Malvina Islands highlight the urgent need for a solid defense of Argentina's sovereign maritime spaces, incorporating a strategic unit such as the fleet of submarines whose greatest property and attribute is to see, without being seen.
In this context, the Scorpene submarines, manufactured by the French company Naval Group, emerge as a key tool to strengthen the Argentine Navy. With a modern design and cutting-edge technology, these submarines are equipped with essential features for the surveillance and protection of the Argentine Sea. Their ability to operate at depths of up to 300 meters and reach speeds of 20 knots submerged, together with an autonomy of up to 78 days and an advanced combat management system, make the Scorpene an indispensable unit for the defense of Argentine natural resources and the control of the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The acquisition of these submarines, which costs 450 million dollars per unit, not only implies a significant investment in military technology, but also an economic challenge for the Argentine government. In the 2025 budget, a debt of 2.3 billion dollars is contemplated to finance this project, with a repayment period of three years. This debt, which still needs to be approved by Congress, will not only allow the purchase of the submarines, but will also be essential for the reactivation of the naval industry and to ensure that Argentina recovers its strategic position in the South Atlantic.
Strengthening the Argentine Navy with Scorpene submarines will also allow Argentina to meet a number of strategic objectives. Firstly, to ensure control over its fishing resources and prevent illegal fishing in its waters, one of the main threats to the sustainability of its marine resources. Secondly, the submarines will serve as a deterrent against potential foreign threats in the region, especially in critical areas such as the vicinity of the Malvina Islands. Furthermore, their ability to operate in the South Atlantic and project presence on routes to Antarctica will position Argentina as a key player in the protection of these strategic spaces.
Since the tragedy of the ARA San Juan in November 2017, Argentina has no active submarines. The Ministry of Defense has established the acquisition of Scorpene submarines as a priority, although they recognize that the purchase depends on the financing agreements that can be negotiated.
In July, during a visit to the Mar del Plata naval base, Defense Minister Luis Petri said: “The great challenge is to recover submarine capacity. We are making every effort, conducting studies and evaluating all possible offers so that the Argentine Republic can recover the capacity it lost back in 2017.”
