Macron Promotes French Submarine Exports During South America Visit
President Emmanuel Macron’s South America visit aimed to promote the sale of Scorpene submarines to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, reinforcing military trade ties and addressing regional defense needs. Argentina seeks to procure three submarines, while Brazil considers expanding its fleet. Chile plans to launch a tender to replace its aging submarines, enhancing France’s role in the defense sector.
In a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening France’s military trade ties with South America, President Emmanuel Macron extended his trip to include visits to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile while attending the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. During his visit, Macron promoted the sale of Scorpene-class submarines, emphasizing Argentina’s pressing need for modern naval capabilities. Local military sources indicated that Macron supported Argentina’s intent to procure three submarines worth $1.5 billion, amid ongoing negotiations stemming from earlier discussions held in Paris.
Following his engagements in Argentina, Macron participated in the G20 Summit, where discussions with Brazilian President Inazio “Lula” da Silva touched upon a potential order for two additional Scorpene submarines, building on Brazil’s previous $10 billion deal for four submarines established in 2009. This contract, which facilitates technology transfers to Brazil, allows for local construction efforts, further enhancing regional military capabilities.
Finally, President Macron concluded his South American tour in Chile, which was the inaugural customer of Scorpene submarines in 1998. Chile is reportedly preparing to issue a tender in 2026 valued at approximately $1 billion, aimed at replacing its aging fleet of German-built submarines. The expedition reflects France’s intent to consolidate its position in military exports and foster strategic alliances in a region pivotal for international trade and military collaboration.
President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South America was not only focused on diplomatic relations but also on enhancing military trade. The discussions surrounding Scorpene submarines highlight the increasing defense needs of South American countries, particularly Argentina and Chile, as they seek to modernize their naval capabilities. The emphasis on military equipment exports aligns with France’s strategic focus on defense partnerships and economic interests in the region. With Argentina’s dire need for submarines due to the lack of operational underwater vessels, these negotiations could significantly bolster its naval security. Furthermore, Brazil’s ongoing submarine production capabilities illustrate the regional push toward enhanced military self-sufficiency. Chile’s interest in upgrading its naval assets underscores the broader context of defense procurement in South America, where neighboring nations are actively seeking to modernize their fleets. Macron’s diplomatic tour, centered on military equipment exports, reinforces France’s role as a key player in the global defense market, seeking to capitalize on South America’s defense spending potential.
In summary, President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South America served to solidify France’s military trade influence, focusing particularly on the sale of Scorpene submarines to key regional players such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. With Argentina looking to procure new submarines urgently, Brazil considering expansions of its naval capabilities, and Chile preparing to modernize its fleet, the trip not only underscores the economic dimensions of defense collaborations but also reflects the evolving strategic landscape in South America. This endeavor is indicative of France’s broader ambitions of deepening military ties and enhancing its position within the international defense market.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
