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The Argentine Navy has announced its search for two multipurpose frigates to replace the decommissioned ARA Hercules and ARA Heroina vessels, with Turkish defense company Aselsan offering a modernization package for the navy's remaining frigates.
The procurement effort represents one of three priorities set by the Argentine Navy, alongside acquiring new submarines and modernizing its remaining MEKO 360 destroyers, also known as the Almirante Brown-class in Argentine service.
Both frigates being replaced have been inactive for more than 10 years due to mechanical failures and repair difficulties.
The ARA Hercules, a Type 42 destroyer that joined the fleet in 1976, has been non-operational since 2020 due to turbine loss.
The ARA Heroina, a MEKO 360 destroyer, broke down in 2010 when a vital component was removed and sent to England for reconditioning, which allegedly faces a British veto.
Both vessels were officially retired from active service in 2024 after more than four decades with the Argentine Navy.
Argentine defense officials have identified three potential replacement options from European navies planning fleet upgrades, according to a report by Navalnews.
Secretary of International Affairs Juan Battaleme reported via X (used to be known as Twitter) on July 22 that Argentina is negotiating with Denmark for two Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. These relatively modern vessels feature vertical launch cells and anti-ship missiles, primarily designed for air defense while maintaining multi-mission capabilities.
The Danish Chief of Defence recently recommended canceling the mid-life upgrade of these frigates, partly due to technical issues experienced by HDMS Iver Huitfeldt during Red Sea operations in 2024, when air defense systems required rebooting during a Houthi drone attack, leaving the vessel out of action for 30 minutes.
Italy's Maestrale-class frigates represent a second option, with the "Grecale" and "Libeccio" decommissioned in 2024 potentially available following refits. These vessels have over four decades of service but operate weapon systems similar to those currently used by Argentina.
Argentine Navy Chief Admiral Carlos Allievi stated that the country is also studying Norway's Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, which offer capabilities similar to those of the Danish vessels but with lighter armament, including two 8-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch Systems and eight Naval Strike Missiles.
Aselsan has formally offered a comprehensive modernization package for Argentina's three remaining MEKO 360-class frigates, based on its successful upgrade work on Turkish Navy MEKO 200-class ships.
In an exclusive interview with Pucara Defensa back in April, Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol outlined the technical and economic advantages of the proposal, which draws from Türkiye's ongoing mid-life upgrade program for similar vessels.
Budgetary limitations are likely pushing the Argentine Navy toward second-hand frigates, preferably vessels that have undergone recent modernization or life extension programs. Such vessels would provide relatively modern warships with updated weaponry and sensors relevant for the next two decades.
Given the high age of Argentina's remaining surface fleet, these two multipurpose vessels would likely become the most advanced surface warships in the Argentine Navy for the foreseeable future.
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