In recent decades, the Argentine Navy has been evaluating options to modernize its MEKO 360 destroyers, which have been in service for over four decades. However, efforts to upgrade sensor systems, armaments, and overall capabilities face a significant hurdle: the British-origin propulsion systems equipped with turbines originally provided by Rolls-Royce. This issue was highlighted by Rear-Admiral Carlos María Allievi, the Chief of the Argentine Navy, in a recent interview with Zona Militar, where he discussed the current situation and options for this project.
Currently, with the recent decommissioning of the ARA Heroína, which had been inactive for over a decade, the MEKO 360 class “Almirante Brown” consists of three destroyers averaging 40 years old. While the MEKO design concept is known for modularity, allowing for extensive upgrades and improvements, the reality shows that these Argentine vessels have not undergone significant modernizations typical of mid-life updates.
Over the past years and months, various proposals and projects have been put forward, both locally and from foreign companies, aiming to modernize radar systems, Combat Information Centers (CIC), and integrate new functionalities and consoles. However, to date, these proposals face several obstacles.
Firstly, there is a need for political will to drive forward this Argentine Navy project, as well as the necessary allocation of resources. Secondly, as emphasized by Rear-Admiral Allievi, the current focus of naval management is on restoring submarine capabilities within the Submarine Force Command and acquiring new frigates to enhance specific Fleet capabilities. Lastly, as noted by the Navy Chief, the issue of the MEKO 360 propulsion systems, specifically the turbines, is a critical precondition for any modernization program to be considered and sustained over time.
As Rear-Admiral Allievi stated, “… Regardless of the veto, Rolls Royce in 2010 said, ‘I’m no longer in naval turbines, I’m in air turbines.’ So, since 2010, Rolls Royce hasn’t been producing spare parts. Our only way to keep these turbines in service is through the great effort made by the Comandante Espora Naval Air Arsenal, which is a leader, I would say even worldwide, in Rolls Royce turbine maintenance.”
Therefore, before undertaking any modernization project, the replacement of the MEKO 360 propulsion plants would be the primary focus, including “… auxiliary machinery, renewing everything that helps the ship propel and have electricity and services like water, heating, etc. That is the modernization project for the MEKO 360, which is also part of an investment bank project,” as detailed to Zona Militar.
The MEKO 360 class employs a COGOG (Combined Gas or Gas) propulsion system, consisting of two sets of British gas turbines provided by Rolls-Royce. It includes two high-power Olympus TM38 gas turbines providing 60,000 HP for combat situations or evasive maneuvers against potential submarine or aerial threats, and two lower-power Tyne RM1C gas turbines of 9,900 HP for normal navigation operations.
According to Admiral Allievi, one of the projects for the MEKO 360 involves, “… Removing the Tyne cruise turbines from two MEKO 360s and installing two diesel engines and changing reduction gears.” For the third destroyer, which would retain its original propulsion, “… Leaving the Tyne turbines, and those four removed, plus one in reserve, ensures I have Tyne turbines. Statistically, based on recent navigational data, I can foresee the life span of these 5 or 6 Tyne turbines for the ship that would only use these turbines until it is decommissioned. The powerful Olympus turbines, which have many remaining hours, will be kept for very specific operational activities where the ship needs to achieve very high speeds.”
While specifics were not fully disclosed, the Argentine Navy has engaged with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the current manufacturer of the MEKO class vessels, to explore possibilities and develop a modernization plan including sensor systems, communications, and other ship capabilities. Future efforts could also involve integrating new armaments, such as the latest version of the MM-40 Exocet Block 3 anti-ship missile by MBDA.
As mentioned, the project has already been submitted to the Public Investment Projects Bank (BAPIN) and awaits official consideration, positioning it as the third priority after submarine acquisition and frigate procurement for the Fleet.
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