Argentina’s submarine and frigate acquisitions resurface with $3.5bn funding plan

Argentina's draft 2027 budget proposes authorization for $3.5 billion in foreign financing to acquire three conventional submarines and two multimission frigates for its navy. The package allocates $2.3 billion to submarines and $1.2 billion to surface combatants, reviving procurement requirements for which Naval Group and TKMS could compete. The proposal still requires congressional approval and financing arrangements before acquisition contracts can proceed. The submarine purchase would restore an operational capability lost after ARA San Juan sank in November 2017, while the frigates would renew an ageing surface fleet.