Germany Intensifies Bid for Type 209NG Submarines for Argentina
Germany is reinforcing its bid to supply Type 209NG submarines to the Argentine Navy amid efforts to procure new attack submarines. The rivalry primarily lies between TKMS’s offering and the French Scorpène-class submarines. Key to decision-making will be financial guarantees, with projections for German submarine deliveries spanning 2034-2035 while negotiations continue to unfold discreetly.
Germany is intensifying efforts to supply the Argentine Navy with TKMS Type 209NG submarines as the current Argentine administration seeks to procure new attack submarines. Significant progress has been noted in 2024 with the execution of a Letter of Intent for the French Scorpène-class submarines, although final decisions on the proposals remain pending. Reports indicate that the German government is advancing plans to approve guarantees for TKMS’s submarine proposal, enhancing its competitive edge.
The ongoing program to rejuvenate the Argentine Navy’s submarine fleet exhibits two primary proposals: the French Naval Group’s Scorpène-class and TKMS’s Type 209NG submarines. Each proposal includes the provision of three submarines and is backed by government guarantees. A significant step in 2023 was the signing of a Letter of Intent with Naval Group during the Argentine Minister of Defense’s visit to France, which, while not binding, suggests a foundation for further discussions.
As reported, Germany is likely to grant state guarantees exceeding $4.27 billion for TKMS’s submarine offer. Financing holds critical importance in evaluating the competing bids, as described in Argentina’s budget proposal for 2025. This budget is currently under revision; however, the 2023 National Budget included provisions for securing $2.3 billion to fund the acquisition of these submarines.
Notably, the projected delivery timeline for these German submarines is estimated to be between 2034 and 2035. Approval of the proposed state guarantees by the German Budget Committee is anticipated soon. As negotiations proceed discreetly, the Ministry of Defense and the Argentine Navy are managing the necessary governmental approvals, which require concurrence from the Economy Ministry, adhering to its stringent fiscal policies.
The Argentine government is actively pursuing new attack submarines to enhance its naval capabilities, with two primary options: the French Scorpène-class from Naval Group and Germany’s Type 209NG from TKMS. Both offers are substantial military procurements, and financing arrangements are crucial to the decision-making process. The involvement of respective governments in backing the proposals further complicates the negotiations, underscoring the strategic nature of military sales in international relations.
In conclusion, as Argentina advances its submarine procurement efforts, the competition between TKMS’s Type 209NG and Naval Group’s Scorpène-class submarines illustrates the complexities of defense contracting. With Germany potentially providing significant financial guarantees for its proposal, the outcome depends not only on the technical merits of each offer but also on financial viability and political backing. The ongoing negotiations highlight the strategic importance of this acquisition for Argentina’s military capabilities.
Original Source: www.zona-militar.com
