Although the Shrike missile did not enter regular service with the
United Kingdom, it was supplied to the
RAF for use in the
Falklands War of
1982. RAF Shrikes were fitted to modified
Vulcan bombers in order to attack
Argentinian radar installations during
Operation Black Buck. The main target was a Westinghouse
AN/TPS-43 long range 3D radar that the
Argentine Air Force deployed during April to guard the Falklands' surrounded airspace. The Argentine operators were aware of the US-supplied anti-radar missiles and would simply turn it off during the Vulcan's approaches. This radar would remain intact during the whole conflict. However, air defences remain operational during the attacks and the Shrikes hit two of the less valuable and rapidly replaced secondary fire control radars. As a result of this experience next generation missiles were designed to "remember" the radar position even if they were turned off. Also, following a Vulcan making an emergency landing at
Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian authorities confiscated one Shrike which was never returned.