Overview
- Argentina’s Defense Ministry has sent a letter of intent to Naval Group for three evolved Scorpene-class submarines, according to multiple reports.
- Media reports say Paris is considering a rare pay-on-delivery arrangement, deferring payments until completion rather than requiring upfront installments.
- No final contract has been announced, and the 2025 budget line that envisioned a USD 2.31 billion multi‑year credit for submarine recovery was not approved by Congress.
- Officials indicate the patrol-ship portion of the package is further along and likely earmarked for the Prefectura Naval rather than the Navy.
- Argentina has lacked operational submarines since the 2017 ARA San Juan loss, with Defense Minister Luis Petri and Ambassador Ian Sielecki leading talks alongside strong Milei–Macron ties.