Argentina
The 2027 Budget authorizes US$3,500 million in credit to add submarines and frigates
The bill sent to Congress authorizes the Executive Branch to negotiate financing to re-equip the Argentine Navy. The initiative includes three conventional submarines and two multi-mission frigates.
The 2027 Budget bill presented by the Government includes authorization to take out loans of up to US$3,500 million intended for the re-equipment of the Argentine Navy, according to Todo Noticias and Radio Mitre. The authorization appears in the annex table to Article 42, which empowers the Executive Branch to negotiate public credit operations.
According to those outlets, the plan provides for two allocations: up to US$2,300 million for the acquisition of three conventional submarines destined for the Mar del Plata Naval Base and up to US$1,200 million to add two multi-mission frigates in Puerto Belgrano. In both cases, the minimum amortization period is three years. This is authorization to seek financing, not funds already allocated.
The fleet renewal appears linked to a long-standing demand within the force. The Navy lost its submarine capability after the sinking of the ARA San Juan in 2017, in which 44 crew members died, and it maintains vessels built before the 1982 war.
According to both outlets, officials at the Defense Ministry say talks on the re-equipment are advanced. Todo Noticias and Radio Mitre also noted that among the offers under review are Scorpene units from the French company Naval Group, the same firm that sold four submarines of that type to Brazil under the PROSUB program signed in 2008.
Todo Noticias added that the Budget also includes, now with allocated and executable credit, the incorporation of four light naval helicopters for Puerto Belgrano for $37,616 million, within the program for maintenance of assets and infrastructure for operational readiness.
In parallel, the Government moved ahead with other Defense purchases, including the package of 24 F-16 fighter jets acquired from Denmark, Stryker armored vehicles, Unimog trucks and the planned purchase of four Black Hawk helicopters. On this last point, Todo Noticias and Radio Mitre reported that a letter of intent was signed under the U.S. FMS system for US$38 million.
“All this material is part of strengthening our defense system, for our protection and to provide security and territorial integrity. In no way does it have any connection with other matters of an international nature”, Carlos Presti said, according to both outlets.
Todo Noticias also indicated that, amid diplomatic tension over Malvinas, the Government seeks to reactivate the project for the Integrated Naval Base in Tierra del Fuego. That outlet said the project has an estimated cost of US$450 million, that US$114 million have already been transferred by DNU and that official sources said the rest of the financing is included within the funds allocated to the Navy.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not conduct its own reporting on this event.
