Argentina proposes naval expansion in 2027 budget

Argentina is planning significant naval upgrades as part of its 2027 national budget proposal. The plan includes seeking authorization for up to $2.3 billion to acquire three new submarines and $1.2 billion for two multi-mission frigates. These acquisitions are contingent upon securing financing under terms deemed acceptable by the government.

Potential submarine suppliers include Naval Group and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. If Naval Group's Scorpène design is selected, there is potential for industrial synergy with Brazil's existing naval infrastructure. This initiative aims to restore submarine operational capabilities that have been largely absent since the loss of the ARA San Juan in 2017.

Separately, the Argentine Navy has opened a tender for a polar logistics vessel to support Antarctic campaigns and complement the icebreaker Ara Almirante Irizar. This move has faced opposition from the Asociación de Trabajadores del Estado (ATE) Ensenada branch, representing workers at the Astillero Río Santiago. The union argues that the government should prioritize domestic shipyards in accordance with the National Naval Industry Law, rather than seeking foreign purchases.