President Emmanuel Macron concluded a South American visit focused on promoting the sale of French Scorpene-class submarines, with discussions held in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile regarding potential military procurements valued at over $4 billion. The trip highlighted France’s commitment to strengthening defense partnerships with key South American nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently completed a diplomatic trip to South America, extending his stay after attending the G20 Summit in Brazil. During this tour, he visited Argentina and Chile, where he actively promoted the export of French military equipment, particularly Scorpene-class submarines, which could amount to over $4 billion in potential deals. Macron’s engagements highlight France’s strategic interests in strengthening military partnerships with key South American nations, focusing on nations such as Argentina and Brazil, which are central to France’s trade agenda in the region.
In Argentina, Macron held discussions with President Javier Milei, during which he expressed support for Argentina’s initiative to acquire three Scorpene submarines for $1.5 billion, addressing the pressing need of the Argentine Navy for operational submarines. Local military insiders revealed that the Argentine Defense Minister, Luis Petri, had signed a letter of intent for the purchase, setting in motion the negotiations needed for this significant defense procurement.
Following his engagements in Argentina, Macron participated in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he also met with Brazilian President Lula da Silva to discuss the possibility of a follow-up order for two additional Scorpene submarines. Brazil had previously secured a $10 billion deal for four submarines in 2009, with expectations set for domestic production through technology transfer agreements that facilitate local manufacturing and assembly of parts.
In Chile, Macron’s visit was underscored by the country’s historical link to the Scorpene-class submarines, being the first to place an order in 1998. Chile is reportedly preparing to issue a tender in 2026 for the replacement of its aging German-built submarines, potentially opening an avenue for the procurement of two more French-made submarines valued at approximately $1 billion.
The visit of President Emmanuel Macron to South America was primarily aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing collaboration with Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, which are recognized as France’s major trading partners in the region. However, the underlying mission of his trip was also to expand France’s defense exports, particularly in relation to the Scorpene-class submarines developed by French shipbuilder Naval Group. This model of submarine is known for its adaptability and has been a popular choice among several South American navies, addressing their needs for advanced maritime capabilities.
President Macron’s trip to South America serves to reinforce France’s defense and economic partnerships in the region, particularly through advocating for the Scorpene-class submarines. With Argentina actively pursuing procurement to bolster its naval capabilities, and Brazil considering additional purchases following their existing agreements, the potential for significant military sales underscores an important facet of France’s foreign policy. Maximizing these opportunities signals an ongoing commitment to strategic alliances in the defense sector across South America.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
