Germany is advancing its initiative to supply the Argentine Navy with TKMS Type 209NG submarines amid ongoing evaluations of submarine proposals. The Ministry of Defense has signed a Letter of Intent with Naval Group but continues to consider other options. Financing remains a critical factor, with reported guarantees from Germany likely to influence the outcome of negotiations, projected to deliver submarines by 2034 to 2035.
Germany is intensifying efforts to equip the Argentine Navy with TKMS Type 209NG submarines as part of a broader strategy aimed at modernizing the navy’s capabilities. The Argentine Ministry of Defense is currently evaluating multiple proposals for new attack submarines, having already signed a Letter of Intent with the French Naval Group for Scorpène-class submarines. Nevertheless, the selection process for a final supplier remains ongoing.
Recent reports indicate that the German government is moving forward with approving financial guarantees to support TKMS’s proposal, with expectations for guarantees around $4.27 billion. Both TKMS and Naval Group aim to supply three submarines each, backed by their respective governments.
In 2023, a crucial milestone was achieved with the Letter of Intent signed during Minister of Defense Luis Petri’s visit to France. This agreement, though non-binding, sets the stage for further negotiations without excluding alternate suppliers from updating their proposals.
The Argentine Defense Ministry has signaled that financing considerations play a pivotal role in the decision-making process regarding submarine procurement, particularly noted in the 2025 Budget Proposal, which aims to secure $2.3 billion in loans for this initiative. Additionally, projected delivery timelines for the German submarines range from 2034 to 2035.
Negotiations surrounding the submarine acquisitions have recently entered a more subdued phase as the Argentine Navy awaits approvals. Since the Executive Branch must authorize such procurements, proposals are also subjected to the Ministry of Economy’s rigorous fiscal policies.
The Argentine Navy is working to enhance its operational capacity through the acquisition of new attack submarines. This initiative involves evaluating competing offers from international manufacturers, primarily focusing on proposals from TKMS presenting the Type 209NG submarines and Naval Group with its Scorpène-class vessels. The drive toward modernization follows significant milestones, including governmental partnerships and financing considerations, particularly in the context of Argentina’s economic framework.
In conclusion, Argentina is actively pursuing the modernization of its naval capabilities through new submarine acquisitions, with Germany’s TKMS Type 209NG proposal increasingly gaining attention. The financing and governmental approval processes are critical to this endeavor, as strategic partnerships and negotiations continue to shape the final decision regarding the submarine procurement. Expected delivery timelines suggest a long-term commitment to revitalizing the Argentine Navy’s operational presence.
Original Source: www.zona-militar.com
