[REVISION HISTORY]

Argentine activity in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica

Updated 18 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-25 23:35 UTC → 2026-10-27 09:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Argentine officials have prioritized the development of the Integrated Naval Base in Tierra del Fuego to serve as a logistical, operational, and scientific hub for the South Atlantic and Antarctica. The project, which began in 2022, is framed within Argentina’s sovereignty claims over the Malvinas Islands. Following site visits by Defense Minister Carlos Presti and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, the government announced the reactivation of the project, with construction scheduled to begin on January 2, 2027. The total investment is estimated between USD 400 million and USD 500 million, intended to be funded through national resources. While Ushuaia Mayor Walter Vuoto noted the project has seen roughly 10 percent progress, controversy remains regarding funding; the 2027 budget proposal lacks a specific line item for the base, though officials state resources are incorporated within the Ministry of Defense budget. In October 2026, the Ministry of Defense authorized a national public tender for a new military pier via Resolution 704/2026, with a budget of approximately 189.3 billion pesos. Financial uncertainty persists, as 2026 allocations cover only about 30 percent of the contract value, leaving the remainder dependent on unsecured credits and future legislative action. Parallel to infrastructure, Argentina is pursuing a naval rearmament plan. ~~The~~ Under President Javier Milei, the government ~~is evaluating bids~~ has authorized the Navy to manage US$ 2,300 million in external credit for three submarines and an additional US$ 1,200 million for two frigates. Admiral Marcelo Dalle Nogare, Chief of the Joint Staff, reported that Germany and France have offered to fully finance the submarine purchase—estimated at over €3 billion (approximately US$ 3.355 billion)—through installment plans. The Navy is evaluating the Scorpène Evolved model from France’s Naval Group ~~(Scorpène-class)~~ and the Type 209NG from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Type 209NG). This procurement, alongside plans for two frigates, has drawn criticism from British politicians who argue it could shift the balance of power in the South Atlantic. Additionally, Argentina is advancing the SIVEMAR satellite surveillance system to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone. Systems.

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