The Argentine Navy recently announced that it is attempting to acquire two multipurpose frigates in order to replace the aging and inactive frigates ARA Hercules and ARA Héroina. Several possible candidates have already been identified such as the Italian Maestrale-class, the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class and the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class.
The two frigates will allow the Argentine Navy to regain previously lost capabilities. The purchase is one of three priorities set forth by the Argentine Navy with the first priority aiming to require new submarines, the second priority the purchase of two multipurpose frigates and the third priority the modernization of the remaining MEK0 360 destroyers. The latter class is also known as the Almirante Brown-class in the Argentine Navy. This modernization is being offered by the Turkish electronics company ASELSAN based on the work that has been done on the Turkish vessels of the MEKO-200 class.
Argentina seeks to replace lost capabilities
The Argentine Navy is urgently looking for two multipurpose frigates that need to replace the inactive frigates ARA Hercules and ARA Héroina. Both vessels have been inactive for over a decade due to mechanical issues and the inability of getting them repaired. As of 2024, both vessels were officially retired from active service, after having a career of more than four decades with the Argentine Navy.
The ARA Hercules is a Type 42 class destroyer, also known as the Sheffield-class, which joined the Argentine Navy in 1976. Around 2000, the vessel was converted from a destroyer into a multipurpose transport ship. During the conversion, her anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems were reportedly removed in order to enlarge the flight deck, hangar and provide for the accommodation for embarking 238 marines. By 2020, the vessel was reported to be non-operational. The destroyer reportedly has been out of service for over a decade due to the loss of its turbines.
The ARA Héroina is a MEKO 360 destroyer, also known as the Almirante Brown-class in the Argentine Navy. This vessel had a breakdown in what is reported a vital component, the slow wheel. This component was removed in 2010 and send to England for reconditioning. However, the reconditioning allegedly faces a British veto, preventing Argentina from acquiring the component. The Argentine Navy still operates three more MEKO 360-class destroyers. Though these vessels are also aging, there are plans to modernize these vessels and extend their service life.
The Argentine Navy didn’t specify if it wants new or second-hand frigates to replace the ARA Hercules and ARA Héroina. Though the government of Javier Milei succeeded in reducing inflation and made headway in balancing the Argentine economy, the finances available to the Argentine Navy means that acquiring newly build vessels are a “complex endeavour”.
It is probable that budgetary restraints are pushing the Argentine Navy in looking for second-hand frigates, preferably vessels that have just been modernized or underwent a (mid)life extension. Such vessels would allow the Argentine Navy to operate relatively modern warships with good weaponry and sensors, which will also remain relevant for the next two decades. Given the high age of the remaining Argentine surface fleet, these two multipurpose vessels will likely become the most advanced and relevant surface warships within the Argentine Navy in the foreseeable future.
Three possible contenders identified
On July 22, the Secretary of International Affairs for the Argentine Ministry of Defence Juan Battaleme reported on twitter that the Argentine Navy is in negotiations with the Danish Navy to acquire two frigates of the Iver Huitfeldt-class. These vessels are relatively modern and heavily armed with vertical launch cells, anti-ships missiles and primarily designed for air defence though they can perform multiple missions.
Recently, the Dannish Chief of Defence recommended abandoning the mid-life upgrade of the Iver Huitfeldt-class based on the fact of the cost of the upgrade while the Danish Navy is already looking to acquire new air defence frigates. The decision to cancel the upgrade was in part also due to the fact that the lead vessel, the HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, experienced several technical issues during its deployment in the Red Sea in 2024 as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. These technical issues undermined the general combat performance of the vessel while it was under air attack by UAVs launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. At a point in the battle, the air defence systems had to be rebooted, causing the frigate to be out of action for 30 minutes. The incident forced the vessel to retire from Operation Prosperity Guardian two weeks earlier than anticipated. The Dannish Chief of Defence however did not recommend that the vessels of the Iver Huitfeldt-class to be scrapped or sold but to be downgraded in weaponry and repurpose as patrol vessels to replace the smaller Diana-class patrol vessels.
A Maestrale-class frigate. Italian MoD picture.
A second possible candidate are the Italian frigates of the Maestrale-class, according to statements made by Juan Battaleme. This choice was made during a twitter discussion regarding the probable purchase of an amphibious transport vessel during which Juan Battaleme stated that the Argentine Navy could probably acquire vessels from the Maestrale-class as a possible alternative. It was unclear if negotiations with the Danish government for the purchase of the Iver Huitfeldt-class fell through or that Argentina was just working out different alternatives.
Most likely, Argentina would study the purchase of the “Grecale” and “Libeccio“. These vessels were decommissioned in 2024 and could return back to service following a refit. These vessels do have a service life of over four decades and their weapon systems are in the same category as the ones the Argentine Navy currently operates.
In a recent interview, the Chief of the Argentine Navy, Admiral Carlos Allievi, stated that the country is also studying to acquire vessels from the Norway, most notably the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class. These vessels offer similar capabilities as the Iver Huitfeldt-class but are less well armed with only two 8-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch Systems and just eight anti-ship missiles though this class is equipped with the Naval Strike Missile compared to the Harpoon anti-ship missiles found on the Iver Huitfeldt-class.
Pictured is Fridtjof Nansen ship HNoMS Otto Sverdrup. Royal Norwegian Navy picture.
The Fridtjof Nansen-class is being scheduled to undergo modernization and maintain their combat capabilities. However, just as is the case with the Danish Navy, the Norwegian Navy is planning to replace the Fridtjof Nansen-class within the decade by the new British Type 26 frigates with deliveries beginning in 2030. It is unclear if the Fridtjof Nansen class will be reassigned a new role within the Norwegian Navy or that it will become available for sales. Either way, it seems that the purchase of Type 26 frigates by Norway has convinced Argentina to also start negotiating with Norway to possibly acquire two frigates of the Fridtjof Nansen-class.
Conclusion
It appears the Argentine Navy is set on acquiring two multipurpose frigates in order to regain lost naval capabilities and replace the decommissioned warships ARA Hercules and ARA Héroina. Several options have become available to the Argentine Navy though probable budgetary constraints means that the navy is looking for second-hand warships.
It appears that the Argentine Navy is mainly looking at the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class as the preferred option. These vessels are relatively new, with the first vessel being commissioned in 2012. As such, these vessels could remain relevant surface combatants well into the 2040s and both vessels could serve as the principle Argentine warships in the near future if a deal can be made. Denmark is looking to replace the Iver Huitfeldt-class in the next decade by more capable frigates though it has so far not made any statements if it is willing to sell the Iver Huitfeldt-class. Downgrading the Iver Huitfeldt-class to patrol vessels appears the most preferred option for the Danish Navy though it is unclear if Denmark is willing to reconsider and modernize the Iver Huitfeldt-class if Argentine is willing to pay for the necessary upgrades.
At the same level there is the possibility of acquiring the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class. Just as Denmark, Norway is planning to replace these vessels with more capable warships. With the purchase of the British Type 26 frigate, Norway is already further down the process of replacing its frigates. Just as with Denmark, it is unclear if the Norwegian Navy is willing to sell frigates of the Fridtjof Nansen-class to Argentina or have these frigates repurposed for a different role in the Norwegian Navy. Should a purchase be possible, the delivery time of the Fridtjof Nansen-class could potentially be faster than the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class.
The possibility of the Italian Maestrale-class appears to be more of a last resort. The two available vessels, the “Grecale” and “Libeccio” have already served for four decades meaning that after a refit period, the additional service life will be minimal and the combat capabilities that both vessels provide does not appear to be a significant increase compared to what the Argentine Navy already has available with the remaining three vessels of the MEKO 360/ Almirante Brown-class.
