Argentina is nearing a major defense deal with France to acquire Scorpène-class submarines and additional OPV-87 offshore patrol vessels, as part of President Javier Milei’s effort to rebuild the country’s maritime control and fisheries enforcement capacity.
In a televised interview on November 6, Milei confirmed that Buenos Aires is moving forward with the long-discussed plan with France. Talks began intensifying after French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2024 visit to Argentina, where both sides outlined a naval cooperation package valued at nearly $2 billion.
A Return to Submarine Capability
The Scorpène-class, developed by France’s Naval Group, represents a modern and modular submarine design between 1,600–2,000 tonnes, with an optional air-independent propulsion (AIP) system for extended underwater endurance. The submarine can operate for over 50 days, travel 6,000 nautical miles, and deploy F21 heavyweight torpedoes and Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles.
For Argentina, which has lacked an active submarine capability since the retirement of the TR-1700 class, the deal would restore a strategic deterrent in the South Atlantic, providing critical anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Expanding Patrol Capacity
Alongside the submarines, the agreement includes additional OPV-87 patrol vessels, already serving as the Bouchard class in Argentina’s navy. These 87-meter, 1,650-ton vessels are equipped with a 30 mm Marlin-WS gun, helicopter deck, UAV support systems, and modern communications and stabilization technologies. They are designed for fisheries protection, search and rescue, and sovereignty patrols across Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Operational and Strategic Impact
The new submarines would extend Argentina’s maritime surveillance and deterrence reach, allowing discreet patrols near critical chokepoints and energy zones. Combined with the OPVs, the fleet would form a layered maritime defense, with surface ships conducting daily patrols while submarines maintain hidden deterrent positions.
Defense analysts note that this acquisition would improve Argentina’s interoperability with regional partners such as Brazil and Chile, who also operate Scorpène submarines. It would also deepen defense-industrial cooperation with France, including training, maintenance, and possible local technology transfers.
Toward a Sustainable Maritime Posture
If finalized, the deal would mark Argentina’s most significant naval modernization in decades. The combination of French-built patrol ships and submarines would enhance the country’s ability to monitor its vast maritime territory, enforce fisheries laws, and protect offshore resources — establishing a stable and credible sea control framework in the South Atlantic.
