Argentine Government includes purchase of submarines, frigates in draft 2027 national budget

The Government of Argentina has submitted a draft national budget for 2027 that also includes a planned purchase of new submarines and frigates for the Argentine Navy.

The draft budget indicated the equivalent of US$3.5 billion for the vessels' purchase. US$2.3 billion will be allocated for the purchase of three conventional submarines while the remaining US$1.2 billion will be earmarked for the acquisition of two multi-mission frigates.

If approved, the submarine acquisition would re-establish Argentina's submarine force, which was effectively dissolved with the loss of the TR-1700-class boat ARA San Juan and her entire crew on November 15, 2017. At the time of the tragedy, San Juan was the only operational submarine in Argentine Navy service.