Submarine Force (Argentina)

Submarine Force (Argentina)
Unit name	Submarine Force (Argentina)
Native name	Fuerza de Submarinos
Country	Argentina
Branch	Argentine Navy
Type	Submarine arm
Garrison	Mar del Plata
Equipment	Submersibles
Notable commanders	Benjamin Victorica

Submarine Force (Argentina) is the submarine arm of the Argentine Navy, responsible for underwater warfare, deterrence, reconnaissance, and support to surface fleets. Formed from early 20th-century purchases and domestic programs, the force has operated classes acquired from Italy, Germany, United States, and national yards such as Tandanor and Domingo Faustino Sarmiento-era institutions. Its activities intersect with regional security dynamics involving Brazil, Chile, United Kingdom, and multinational exercises like UNITAS.

History

Argentine interest in submarines dates to the pre-World War I era with acquisitions influenced by Giulio Douhet-era naval thought, leading to purchases from Fiat-Santelli and later imports during the interwar period. Post-World War II modernization brought platforms built under license from Vickers, Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft, and US Navy surplus transfers during Cold War alignments with United States–Argentina relations. The 1970s saw expansion amid tensions with United Kingdom over the Falklands War, culminating in operations and patrols in the South Atlantic Ocean. Economic crises in the 1980s and 1990s affected maintenance programs overseen by bodies like Ministerio de Defensa (Argentina), prompting refurbishment deals with West Germany and later with Navantia-type yards in Spain and shipyards in Brazil. The 21st century involved procurement debates involving Rafael Advanced Defense Systems proposals, negotiations with France's DCNS and efforts to revitalize domestic construction at Arsenal Naval Puerto Belgrano.

Organization and Command

The Submarine Force is subordinated to the Fleet (Argentine Navy) and administratively connected to the Comando en Jefe de la Armada. Operational command interfaces with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Argentina) during crisis deployments and multinational operations under United Nations mandates or bilateral pacts such as South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone. Homeporting and logistics are centered at Base Naval Mar del Plata with support from engineering and overhaul facilities at Tandanor and Arsenal Naval Ushuaia. Flag officers historically associated include commanders drawn from Escalafón de Oficiales de la Armada career tracks; staff integration includes liaisons to the Comando de Operaciones Navales.

Submarine Classes and Equipment

Over its history the force has operated diverse types: early Delfín-class submarine (1911)-era models, mid-century GUPPY-influenced boats, the Santa Fe-class submarine (ex-US Navy basis), and later imports of TR-1700-class submarine designs from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems-linked yards. Equipment suites have incorporated sonar from Sperry Corporation-era suppliers, combat systems interoperable with Link 11/Link 16-style datalinks, and weapons including Mk 37 and Mk 48-type torpedoes, guided missiles designs, and naval mines. Onboard systems rely on diesel-electric propulsion with battery technologies influenced by industrial partners in Germany and electrical systems maintained in collaboration with CANDES-type contractors and national research institutes like CONICET. Modernization programs addressed hull integrity, noise reduction, and sensor suites, with proposals for air-independent propulsion drawing interest from Siemens and Rolls-Royce analogues.

Operations and Deployments

Operational history includes coastal defense patrols in the Río de la Plata, Atlantic patrols during the Falklands War period, intelligence-gathering missions in coordination with Servicio de Inteligencia Naval, and participation in multinational exercises such as UNITAS, RIMPAC (observer roles), and bilateral drills with Brazilian Navy and Chilean Navy. Submarine deployments support anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare training with surface escorts, and special operations inserts in coordination with Infantería de Marina units. Humanitarian and disaster-response missions have seen sub-surface platforms support logistics in southern operations near Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

Training and Personnel

Training pipelines run through Escuela de Submarinistas and the Facultad de Ciencias de la Marina-linked academies, with specialized courses in underwater escape, damage control, and electronic warfare. Officers and crew receive exchange training with the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and Armada de Chile under bilateral training agreements; selection draws from the Armada officer corps and non-commissioned personnel promoted via competitive boards. Tactical doctrines reference NATO-compatible tactics studied at institutions like NATO School Oberammergau and courses at US Naval War College affiliates, while technical upkeep training occurs at shipyards such as Tandanor and Arsenal Naval Puerto Belgrano.

Accidents and Incidents

The Submarine Force's history includes accidents and losses tied to operational risk, maintenance shortfalls, and peacetime incidents requiring investigations by tribunals such as those modeled on Comisión de Investigaciones frameworks. Notable incidents include collisions, grounding events, and high-profile tragedies that prompted national inquiries involving the Ministerio de Defensa (Argentina) and commissions with participation from institutions like CONICET and academic forensic teams from Universidad de Buenos Aires. Internationally watched episodes spurred changes in safety protocols, international assistance offers from Royal Navy and US Navy search-and-rescue specialists, and reforms to training and maintenance regimens administered through the Comando de Operaciones Navales.

Category:Argentine Navy Category:Submarines of Argentina