Argentina Seeks Submarines From Germany, France Amid Falklands Tensions

German and French manufacturers have offered to build three submarines for Argentina as the nation seeks to bolster its naval capabilities and advance its claim to the Falkland Islands. The offers come as President Javier Milei has intensified rhetoric regarding the disputed territory.

Argentina's military chief, Admiral Marcelo Dalle Nogare, confirmed that both Germany and France have submitted proposals for new hunter-killer submarines. He stated that either option would represent "among the best submarines in the world today." French company Naval Group has proposed its Scorpene submarines, while Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) offered its Type 209NG models. Both governments have also offered to finance the deals, with Argentina repaying in installments.

Argentina previously acquired German-manufactured Type 209 submarines in the 1970s, including the ARA San Luis, which participated in the 1982 Falklands War. Though it did not score any hits, the submarine evaded British forces and remained in service until 1997. TKMS, which has a British subsidiary supplying the Royal Navy, reportedly submitted a formal bid to Buenos Aires, with a decision expected this year. Any export deal would require approval from the respective governments.

Admiral Dalle Nogare indicated that the final decision would be "geopolitical" and based on "interests and, above all, financing," with expected delivery six years after a contract is signed. He also reiterated a past sentiment that the Falklands would eventually be recovered when it is no longer economically feasible for the United Kingdom to maintain them.

President Milei has recently sharpened his stance on the islands, previously warning that Argentina might be forced to "take matters into our own hands" and stating at the UN General Assembly that the country would "recover" the Falklands. However, he also recently pledged to pursue diplomatic means and rule out military action. These statements come amid domestic challenges in Argentina, including high inflation.

In the United Kingdom, the prospect of European submarine sales to Argentina has drawn criticism. Reform UK MP Andrew Rosindell called for the British government to demand explanations from the German and French ambassadors. Earlier this month, British paratroopers conducted military exercises in the Falklands simulating amphibious landings, exercises described as the first of their kind in years to mirror the operations that led to the UK's recapture of the islands in 1982. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has affirmed the commitment to keeping the Falklands British, emphasizing the islanders' will.