South Korea Pitches HDS-1500 Sub to Argentina’s Sub-Less Navy
Argentina · Defense
Key Facts
—Gap. Argentina has had no operational submarine since the German-built ARA San Juan was lost at sea in 2017.
—Proposal. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is actively promoting its HDS-1500 design as a candidate to restore Argentina’s conventional submarine capability.
—Rivals. The South Korean design is competing against offerings from France (Scorpène), Germany (Type 214/209 NG), Sweden (Saab C71), and Spain (S-80).
—Scale. Argentine defense discussions envision acquiring at least three and up to five new attack submarines.
—Funding. No public financing structure has been confirmed, with a contract not expected before a potential signing around 2026.
*Argentina’s quest to rebuild its submarine force after the tragic loss of the ARA San Juan has drawn a competitive field of global shipbuilders, with South Korea’s latest pitch centered on a highly automated, lithium-ion-powered boat.*
A fleet still haunted by the San Juan
The Argentine Navy has not recovered from the November 2017 sinking of the ARA San Juan, a German Type 209 submarine, which killed all 44 crew members aboard. The disaster left the country without a single operational submarine and created a critical capability gap in patrolling its South Atlantic economic interests.
Defense analysts in Argentina now argue for rebuilding a conventional fleet of roughly four to six attack submarines. Any new vessel must effectively replace the role once filled by the San Juan and its sister ships.
Seoul’s pitch: automation and lithium-ion power
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is offering Argentina the HDS-1500, an export design displacing about 1,500 tons when submerged. The boat measures roughly 65 meters in length and requires a crew of only about 25 sailors thanks to a high level of automation.
Its conventional diesel-electric propulsion uses lithium-ion batteries, granting significantly longer underwater endurance than older lead-acid systems. The design is tailored to meet typical export requirements similar to Argentina’s anticipated needs: a sustained submerged speed of at least 10 knots, a range of around 4,500 nautical miles, and the capacity to operate for more than 40 days in a patrol area.
A crowded field of European rivals
The HDS-1500 is not the only contender. France’s Naval Group is pushing its Scorpène-class submarines, and at least one report suggests a Franco-Argentine naval package was nearing conclusion without South Korean involvement.
Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is offering updated versions of its Type 214 or Type 209 NG boats, the latter being a direct descendant of the lost San Juan. Sweden’s Saab C71 and Spain’s S-80 are also in the mix, making the competition unusually diverse.
Peru as a regional proof-of-concept
To demonstrate the HDS-1500 is more than a paper design, HD HHI points to its progress in neighboring Peru. The company signed a series of agreements with Peru’s SIMA shipyard throughout 2024 and 2025 to jointly develop a customized variant, the HDS-MGP.
That program, which aims to replace Peru’s aging Type 209 submarines, has already secured Approval in Principle from classification society DNV. A design phase of two to three years is planned, with construction of the first Peruvian units expected in the early 2030s.
Financing fog and a distant timeline
How Buenos Aires would pay for a multi-boat submarine contract remains the biggest unanswered question. No public financing model has been outlined by the Argentine government or the competing shipbuilders.
Open-source reporting indicates Argentina is still in an evaluation phase, with no signed contract for any design. Talk of a possible deal around 2026 exists, but a separate South Korean schedule promising four boats by 2035 was tied to a now-unsuccessful bid for Canada, not Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Argentina need new submarines?
Argentina has had no operational submarine force since the ARA San Juan sank in 2017. The navy seeks to restore its ability to patrol and defend economic interests in the South Atlantic.
What is the HDS-1500 submarine?
It is a conventionally powered export submarine designed by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. It displaces about 1,500 tons submerged, uses lithium-ion batteries, and requires a crew of roughly 25 sailors due to high automation.
Who are HD HHI’s main competitors for the Argentine contract?
The primary competitors are France’s Naval Group with the Scorpène class, Germany’s TKMS with the Type 214 and Type 209 NG, Sweden’s Saab with the C71, and Spain’s Navantia with the S-80.
Has Argentina signed a deal with South Korea?
No. As of the latest reporting, Argentina is still evaluating its options and has not publicly confirmed a contract with HD HHI or any other submarine builder.
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