Andy Burnham faces a fresh Falklands headache after French and German defence giants offered to build three advanced submarines for Argentina, amid a warning that Britain could eventually lose its grip on the islands.
Argentina's military chief has predicted the Falklands will eventually be recovered if it becomes too expensive for Britain to maintain them, as Buenos Aires seeks to modernise its ageing navy.
Submarine offers from France and Germany
Admiral Marcelo Dalle Nogare, chief of the joint staff of Argentina's armed forces, said France and Germany had both offered to manufacture three new submarines, describing the competing options as “among the best submarines in the world today”.
France's Naval Group is believed to have proposed its Scorpene-class submarines, while Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has put forward its Type 209NG design.
According to LBC, Admiral Dalle Nogare said both countries had offered to finance the deal in full, allowing Argentina to repay the cost in instalments. Neither government has publicly confirmed those financing arrangements, however, and no final contract has been announced.
Argentina's continued claim to the Falklands
The proposals come as Argentine President Javier Milei continues to press his country's claim to the British Overseas Territory. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Milei said Argentina would “recover” the Falklands and warned his country could be forced to “take matters into our own hands”. He has also said he does not believe in military solutions to the dispute.
Admiral Dalle Nogare delivered a stark assessment of Britain's long-term position, saying: “I've always said that I believe the Falklands will eventually be recovered on the day it is no longer economically feasible for the United Kingdom to maintain them.” The remarks were reported by Argentine publication El Cronista.
Political reaction and defence assurances
The submarine proposals have prompted criticism from Reform UK MP Andrew Rosindell, who has called for the British Government to challenge its European allies. Speaking to GB News, Mr Rosindell said: “It is shocking that France and Germany – two of our supposed closest allies – are considering financing three new 'hunter-killer' submarines for Argentina.”
He accused the two countries of “rewarding threats of aggression, changing the balance of power in the South Atlantic, and undermining the security of the Falkland Islands”. Mr Rosindell called for the Government to summon the French and German ambassadors and demand an explanation. He has also questioned ministers in Parliament about discussions with France and Germany concerning submarine cooperation with Argentina.
In a written answer on October 19, Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said the Ministry of Defence regularly engaged with both countries and remained committed to protecting the Falklands. She said Britain's defences in the South Atlantic were “robust”, with air, land and maritime forces maintaining a permanent presence on the islands. Their suitability was kept under constant review.
Timeline and future implications
Any submarine deal would take years to translate into a new operational capability. Admiral Dalle Nogare has indicated that delivery could take around six years after a contract is signed, with training and supporting infrastructure also required.
The Falklands' population voted overwhelmingly to remain a British Overseas Territory in a 2013 referendum, with 99.8% of valid votes supporting that position. The competing offers nevertheless raise questions about Britain's defence relationships with France and Germany, and the resources that could be needed to protect the South Atlantic in the years ahead.
