Argentinaโ to Revive Submarine Force with Potential Scorpรจne-Class Acquisition
Buenos Aires – following a recent announcement byโค President Javier Milei, the Argentine Navy is poised โฃto rebuild it’sโฃ Submarine Force, a capability lost over a decade ago. The potential acquisition, reportedly โinvolving submarines and patrol vessels from France,โข marks a significant shift in Argentina’s defense strategy and a renewed commitment to navalโ power.
The move comes as a surprise to many within the Argentineโข defense community, as fewโ administrations have prioritized the re-equipment of the โคNavyโ to this degree. The prospective deal, which centers on the Scorpรจne-class submarine-currently operatedโข by โBrazil-could haveโ far-reaching implications, mirroring the impact of the 1990s F-16 Fighting โขFalcon acquisition for the Argentine Air Force. โฃThe recovery of aโฃ submarine capability is consideredโ crucial for โขsafeguarding Argentina’s maritime interests and asserting regional influence.
Argentina decommissioned its lastโ submarine, the ARA San Juan,โค in โ2015, and subsequently lost theโ vessel with allโค hands in 2018. This tragedy underscored the critical need to restore the nation’s โฃunderwater capabilities. While detailsโ of the agreement remain forthcoming,โข the potential acquisitionโข of โScorpรจne-class submarines-like the Humaitรก S41 of the Brazilian Navy-woudl โฃrepresent a significant investment โin modern naval technology and a significant stepโข towards rebuilding a vital component of the Argentine armed forces. โ
The formalization of a contractโข is now anticipated, with observers suggesting the program’s success could transcend political shifts, offering aโค lasting benefit to Argentina’s national security.