French President Emmanuel Macron visited South America, enhancing military cooperation with Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. He promoted Scorpene submarines worth over $4 billion. Argentina is looking to procure three units, Brazil discusses additional submarines, while Chile plans a tender for replacements in 2026. This trip signifies France’s strong defense export strategy in the region.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron undertook a visit to South America, extending his itinerary beyond the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro to include Argentina and Chile. During his travels, Macron actively advocated for the sale of French military equipment, particularly the Scorpene type diesel-electric submarines, which have an estimated value exceeding $4 billion. This endeavor is seen as a significant push to bolster France’s arms exports in the region and strengthen military ties with its South American partners.
In Argentina, Macron engaged in discussions with President Javier Milei from November 16 to 17, where he committed support for Argentina’s procurement of three Scorpene submarines, with an overall value of $1.5 billion. It has been reported that Argentina’s navy lacks operational submarines, which has forced its specialized submariners to seek training abroad in Peru. Local defense sources indicated that the Argentine Defense Minister signed a letter of intent for this acquisition during an October visit to Paris, indicating a serious commitment to moving forward with the negotiations.
Subsequently, Macron participated in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he met with President Inácio “Lula” da Silva. There, discussions included a potential follow-on order for two additional Scorpene submarines for Brazil. As part of a $10 billion agreement established in 2009, Brazil had ordered four submarines, with technology-transfer provisions allowing them to build components domestically through the company Itaguai Construçoes Navais, partially owned by France’s Naval Group.
Lastly, Macron visited Chile from November 20 to 21, the initial export customer for the Scorpene submarines, having commissioned two boats back in 1998. The Chilean government is preparing to launch a tender in 2026, which may reach a value of $1 billion, aimed at replacing its aging fleet of German-built submarines. This series of meetings underscores the emphasis on enhancing military cooperation and trade within the region while reinforcing France’s defense export strategy.
The backdrop to Macron’s South American trip revolves around the strategic defense ties between France and its partners in the region. The Scorpene submarines, developed by Naval Group, represent a key aspect of France’s military export agenda, emphasizing both national security and defense industrial cooperation. Several South American countries, notably Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, have shown interest in enhancing their naval capabilities, with France positioned as a primary supplier. Macon’s engagement during this trip demonstrates the significance France places on fostering these relationships, particularly in military procurement, to not only bolster defense capabilities but also increase bilateral trade in the defense sector.
In conclusion, President Macron’s South America visit encapsulates France’s strategic interests in promoting its defense exports, notably the Scorpene submarines. With Argentina’s urgent need for operational submarines and Brazil’s ongoing submarine program, the potential sales represent significant business opportunities for France. Chile’s forthcoming tender further illustrates the region’s focus on modernizing naval assets. These developments collectively highlight the broader implications of defense cooperation as France seeks to fortify its position in the South American military market.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
