There are so many obstacles to Brazil's offer of old Tupi Type 209 submarines to Argentina that the deal may well not come off as planned.
So Santiago Rivas, for Jane's Defence Weekly, June 10, 2019, reported
https://www.janes.com/article/89163/brazil-to-transfer-type-209-submarines-to-the-argentine-navy
BACKGROUND/ARGUMENTS
Since ARA San Juansank in November 2017 Argentina's now has just one very old, semi-active submarine, ARA Santa Cruz, which was commissioned way back in 1984. In the following Submarine Matters is directly citing some Portuguese-Brazilian language sources.
Meanwhile Brazil 5 Tupi class subs are reportedly non operational with S Tupi (commissioned 1989) being cannibalized for spare parts. Brazil's S Tikuna (S-34), arguably a Tupi, was commissioned in 2006, and probably not being offered.
Given the sporadic state of repairs the 3 available Tupi's (S Tamoio (S-31) commissioned 1995, S Timbira (S-32) 1996 and S Tapajó (S-33) 1999) have aged quickly and are in need of extensive repairs and upgrades.
Not to be forgotten is Argentina's ongoing dispute with Britain over the Malvinas/Falkland Islands. Brazil ultimately may be unwilling to supply submarines to Argentina if there is a chance these subs may sink British ships in a future Malvinas/Falklands conflict.
So all in all Brazilian President Bolsonaro may have made a fine political gesture in offering Tupis to Argentina, but Brazilian and Argentine officers may effectively scuttle the deal.
So Santiago Rivas, for Jane's Defence Weekly, June 10, 2019, reported
https://www.janes.com/article/89163/brazil-to-transfer-type-209-submarines-to-the-argentine-navy
"The Brazilian Navy has agreed to transfer two Tupi class submarines – Type 209/1400 – to Argentina, following a meeting between Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macro.
The deal includes a potential future transfer of an additional two boats. The first two could be transferred during 2019 and the ships would then receive some "minor" repairs at Tandanor shipyard in Argentina before entering service in 2020.
The Tupi class of four vessels was commissioned between 1989 and 1999 and is slated to be replaced by the four Tonelero-class submarines of the Scorpene type in the near future."
BACKGROUND/ARGUMENTS
Since ARA San Juansank in November 2017 Argentina's now has just one very old, semi-active submarine, ARA Santa Cruz, which was commissioned way back in 1984. In the following Submarine Matters is directly citing some Portuguese-Brazilian language sources.
Given the sporadic state of repairs the 3 available Tupi's (S Tamoio (S-31) commissioned 1995, S Timbira (S-32) 1996 and S Tapajó (S-33) 1999) have aged quickly and are in need of extensive repairs and upgrades.
Argentina’s naval shipyard (Tandanor) chief Jorge Arosa (unlike other Argentine admirals and officials) is not enthusiastic about the Tupi deal as he believes the Tupis are far less capable/smaller than ARA Santa Cruz. Arosa also says he has is no idea of the true cost of repairing and refurbishing the Tupis.
Over the years Argentina and Brazil have been the competing strategic powers of South America. Some of Brazil's admirals are reluctant to give Argentina 2 to 4 Tupi submarines that could be returned to operations in the Brazilian Navy. So far just one of Brazil’s new class of Scorpene submarines (S Riachuelo (S 40)) has been launched and even it may not be commissioned until 2023.
Not to be forgotten is Argentina's ongoing dispute with Britain over the Malvinas/Falkland Islands. Brazil ultimately may be unwilling to supply submarines to Argentina if there is a chance these subs may sink British ships in a future Malvinas/Falklands conflict.
So all in all Brazilian President Bolsonaro may have made a fine political gesture in offering Tupis to Argentina, but Brazilian and Argentine officers may effectively scuttle the deal.
Pete