French and German firms offer Argentina submarines as financing remains unconfirmed

Argentina is considering offers from French and German defence companies for three new submarines, according to a report by GB News, raising concern from a British MP over the potential implications for the Falkland Islands.

The competing proposals are from France’s Naval Group, offering its Scorpène submarine, and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), offering the Type 209NG. The report does not establish that Argentina has selected a supplier, signed a contract or secured the necessary export authorisation.

Argentina’s armed forces chief has reportedly said financing would be central to the choice. His account of French and German government backing, however, has not been publicly confirmed by either government.

Argentina weighs two submarine designs

Admiral Marcelo Dalle Nogare, chief of the Joint Staff of Argentina’s Armed Forces, outlined the proposed acquisition at the Rotary Club of Buenos Aires on 7 October, according to the report.

“Whichever of the two options we choose, they are among the best submarines in the world today,” he said.

TKMS confirmed to GB News that it had submitted an offer based on the Argentine Navy’s requirements. The company said it had not received an official communication from the Argentine government and expected a decision in principle on implementing the programme during 2026.

Dalle Nogare said the final choice would be geopolitical, shaped by national interests and, above all, financing. He expected delivery six years after a contract was signed, placing any operational addition to Argentina’s fleet well beyond the initial procurement decision.

Government financing not confirmed

According to Dalle Nogare’s account, Paris and Berlin had offered to finance the purchase in full, with Argentina repaying the cost in instalments.

That claim remains distinct from the confirmed commercial offer by TKMS. Neither government has publicly confirmed the reported financing arrangements, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy declined to comment to GB News on guarantees or financial arrangements with Argentina.

Naval Group is majority-owned by the French state, which held 62.25 per cent of its shares at the end of 2024. Germany’s government does not own TKMS but has a role in authorising exports of German military equipment. A submarine sale would require approval from the relevant government.

Falklands concerns enter the debate

Reform UK MP Andrew Rossindell criticised the prospect of French and German support for the acquisition, telling GB News it was “shocking” that the two countries were considering financing three submarines for Argentina.

Argentina has previously operated German-built Type 209 submarines. During the 1982 Falklands War, ARA San Luis launched torpedo attacks against British warships but scored no hits.

The current proposals concern a possible future acquisition, not an announced deployment. The immediate outstanding questions are which supplier Argentina would choose, whether financing would be secured and whether the relevant export approval would be granted.