Operation Mikado
I was 15 at the time - reading about this now and trying to understand why a greater effort was not mounted to destroy A-4 and Etendard bases on the mainland as a prelude, particularly using air-power.
There were 38 SHARS and GR3s deployed (if I have numbers right).
I assume:
*More sensible to keep large capital assets like Harrier capable ships at the limit of Argentine air-forces' loiter range, and let the FAA bring the fight out to the islands, than take the fight to them.
*Harrier combat radius would dictate a coming to within at least 600 miles of the coast to launch
*Mobile air search radar on the mainland would have given ample warning of attacks - end result - no surprise - mass Argentine scramble by upwards of 100 fast jets, and a turkey shoot.
*Perceptions of attacks on Argentine mainland (even if just military targets) might have escalated the conflict further drawing in Peru and Venezuela.
Hence the Entebbe-style plan...
It is sobering to look back and see how the numbers were tilted against Operation Corporate.
No criticism intended or implied - just curious.
Last edited by tartare; 21st Dec 2016 at 03:23.