The Scorpene submarines: What capabilities do they represent for Argentina’s defense?

Within the framework of President Javier Milei’s recent statement regarding the possible acquisition of French-made submarines and patrol vessels, attention has once again shifted toward the French Scorpene submarines—a design that has gained prominence within regional fleets. Since their incorporation by Chile in 2005 and later by Brazil with its redesigned Riachuelo class, these units have become a technological and strategic benchmark in South American naval affairs. Their gradual expansion not only reflects a shift in maritime defense capabilities but also defines a new regional paradigm in deterrence, industrial cooperation, and military modernization.

Submarines are not only part of a nation’s maritime defense fleet; they also serve as a tool for power projection. As with major world powers, Latin America has focused its efforts on the modernization and maintenance of cutting-edge weapon systems.

Regional experiences in South America
South American arsenals field various submarine units. Based on a regional survey by the StratBridge platform, countries such as Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Argentina have operated these advanced capabilities since the 1970s, largely of German origin. The first Type 209 submarine was acquired by Peru in 1974, inaugurating the Islay class—SS Islay and SS Arica, Type 209/1100—with a second unit acquired in 1975. Subsequently, Colombia and Venezuela established their submarine fleets with the Pijao class—ARC Pijao and ARC Tayrona, Type 209/1200—and the Sábalo class—ARV Sábalo and ARV Caribe, Type 209/1300—respectively. The decade concluded with Ecuador’s new Shyri class—BAE Shyri and BAE Huancavilca, Type 209/1300—followed by the 1980s introduction of Peru’s Angamos class—SS Angamos, SS Antofagasta, SS Chipana, and SS Pisagua, Type 209/1200.

The region’s technological and industrial leap was spearheaded by Chile with the acquisition and diversification of the French-made Scorpene class: the country incorporated SS O’Higgins in 2005 and SS Carrera in 2006. The traditional exports of the German shipyard Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) faced a turning point in the South American market with the entry of the European giant Naval Group. Since 2008, through the PROSUB Program, Brazil has reinforced this regional trend with the joint construction of the Riachuelo class and the future acquisition of the SSN Álvaro Alberto, the only nuclear-powered submarine in Latin America.

The Scorpene stands out for its versatility in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and protection of the EEZ of its operator nations. Its strategic operability is based on a high-strength steel structure allowing a maximum diving depth of 300 meters and an endurance of 45 days at sea. Its Albacore-type hydrodynamic hull and optimized propellers contribute to acoustic discretion. These submarines can carry up to 18 torpedoes, mines, and/or anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles integrated into the SUBTICS combat system.

Capabilities of the Argentine Submarine Fleet
Argentina’s program to acquire conventional submarines has experienced highs and lows since its beginnings in the mid-1970s. Along with Peru, it was one of the first South American nations to incorporate German Type 209/1100 and 209/1200 submarines for national defense. However, lacking long-term economic, industrial, and technological planning, the program faced significant difficulties in sustaining itself. According to StratBridge, since 2014, the last two operational submarines—the ARA Santa Cruz and ARA Salta—have been out of service at the Tandanor shipyard and the Mar del Plata Naval Base, respectively. With no active submarines in service, Argentina’s maritime defense depends on future projects still to be realized.

President Javier Milei’s recent statement has revived hopes of reactivating the Argentine Submarine Force. His expressed intent to purchase Scorpene submarines and French OPVs, benefiting both the Navy and the Coast Guard, builds on key developments in 2023 and 2024, when the Ministry of Defense identified the German Type 209 NG from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and the French Scorpene as candidates—leading to the signing of a letter of intent with France.

The future of Argentine and South American maritime defense
The experiences of neighboring Chile and Brazil may reinforce Argentina’s potential decision to acquire Scorpene submarines. With the possibility of incorporating three new units equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Argentina would recover its deterrence, control, and surveillance capabilities along its coastline, while also enabling the entry of new defense companies into the region—mirroring the ongoing construction program of the HDS-1500MGP class for the Peruvian Navy led by SIMA Perú and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.

If the aforementioned programs come to fruition, the region would increase its total submarine inventory to approximately 30 units, built across domestic, German, French, and South Korean shipyards. Industrial capabilities would be strengthened through inter-company technology transfer, setting unique precedents in commercial and defense cooperation between South America and the international market. With transnational threats posing imminent risks to national sovereignty and territorial integrity, strategic planning should focus on both the quantitative and qualitative enhancement of South American defense capabilities.

Images used for illustrative purposes.

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