"Falkland War" Topic

On April 2nd, 1982, Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands, seizing the British territory and triggering a 74-day war that killed 649 Argentine and 255 British service members. Britain launched a naval task force that recaptured the islands on June 14.

Wolfhag

Would Britain be able to reconquer the Falklands today? Has Argentina given up its claim to the islands?

No and No.

No and No

True and true, but also, could Argentina conquer the islands today and does it actually want to?

Overall UK armed forces are not what they were in 1982, but the FI garrison then was 68 Royal Marines; now it's an infantry company, a flight of Typhoons, GBAD, a frigate (usually) and a patrol vessel. Versus Argentina's also much reduced armed forces I'd question the practicality of an amphibious assault.

I think military power and strategy is now centered around drone and anti-drone warfare. Using Ukraine's methods, technology and strategy, Paraguay could take the Falkland's. Russia could supply them with the targeting like they are doing for Iran. I doubt if there is anything the current Brit leadership could or want to do.

Wolfhag

There is currently no belligerent interest on either side. We will continue to pursue our claims diplomatically, as we have done for decades. Ideally, we would agree on joint management of maritime and natural resources. But we are still very far from that.

For the purposes of a wargame… since the inauguration of our new President (who is not a piece of trash like the previous Peronists), our Armed Forces have been significantly strengthened.

Notable purchases include 24 F-16 fighter jets, 160 8x8 Striker armored vehicles, 36 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, guided bombs and guidance equipment, advanced projects for the purchase of individual small arms, including rifles, pistols, carbines and light machine guns of 7.62 mm and 40 mm calibers, 30 KC-390 transport aircraft (including sensitive British components, among them the flight control systems provided by British Aerospace), four AW109 helicopters manufactured by Leonardo in Italy, and two French Scorpène submarines….etc

It is worth highlighting the special relationship between our country and the USA, which has meant an open letter of credit for the acquisition/donation/loan/lease of a long list of military equipment.

Personally… after having fought in the Malvinas, I hope that an agreement can be reached that benefits both parties and that relations with Great Britain will once again be as smooth and friendly as in our long shared history.

Armand

Yerba maté at breakfast and Argentine tango after dinner are the top of my plans for Friday.