BB,
Quite right, in 2 years living at MP, I saw absolutely no aggressive intent in anything we did. There is only one possible aggressor in this theatre.

Not sure why you think Argentina is threatened by the RAF, or why you think Chile would share the same fantasy to the point on planing the defence for you.

I've spent quite some time flying in the Falklands over the years and as an OC, so yes, well acquainted with the weather - it is our turf after all.

:ok:

Just this once, BigBux and MATCH2NUMBER,

You mean you never got access to any of RAF offensive plans? They were outlined after MT herself asked for them back in October 1982. There are many "clues" (let´s call them) that suggest that not only Phantoms but Tornados as well flew out of the TEZ. Heading west that is...

A couple of Typhoons also had to divert to Punta Arenas, overflying argentinean territory back in 2012. First time ever that something like that actually happened. Was that the only course of action at the time? Some might suggest the real mission of that flight was to gather relevant information for the just arrived new hardware

Pure fantasy I am afraid, as is the notion that you would have access to such plans and I would not - especially ones I may have helped to produce over the years.

Back in reality-land the defensive structure, composition and the nature of the forces based there are routinely outlined to the Argentinian government through diplomatic channels in a continuing effort to de-escalate any tensions. Even relatively minor changes in equipment due to obsolescence (e.g. Skyflash to AMRAAM) are communicated. Equally, the Argentinian government is not shy in making enquiries.

Oh and no, no Typhoon has ever flown over Argentinean territory. Argentinean air traffic granted permission to transit through the airspace controlled by Argentina on a weather diversion to Punta - they did so in a friendly and cooperative manner. A rehearsal for an attack it was not. Indeed, Falklands-based aircraft have never intruded into Argentinean airspace, but the reverse is reasonably common....

Anyway, rather rustic of you to think that the UK would look to put a package of aircraft from the Falklands in an effort against the mainland. Surely in your fantasy of UK aggression you would at least expect salvos of TLAMs from submarines?

The Junta that started a sneak attack on the Falklands over 30 years ago are long gone. The UK leadership that defended UK nationals are also gone or died of old age. The respective populations only want for peace and the UK military and Argentinean military even conduct reciprocal exchanges of personnel in a spirit of co-opeperation.

Finally, even if you really do still think that the UK intends to harm Argentina can you explain why, after 30 odd years and the near collapse of the Argentinean armed forces, we haven't actually done so already?

CAW,
You obviously don't believe me or BB. I ran the base for 2 years around the Millennium and I can assure you that my previous post is 100% correct. By the way, the Typhoon is not an ELINT platform.

JTO,
We overlapped, I could have said more, but CAW may not be the type to listen. Your post is spot on.

MACH2NUNMBER, I´m afraid you´re wrong, you judge me wrong. I do believe you. The main source of information we have over the whole Malvinas/Falkland issue are british testimonies, documents, writings, videos and phtographs. I do take you seriously, very I should add.

I also understand that time has passed and people can and actually change. I´m not a chauvinist crack-head. I´m just a citizen of my country trying to put up the pieces together. History develops before my eyes.

You and BB say that not offensive plans exist, well I´ll take that. The Official History of the Falklands War, by Lawrence Freedman, explains why and when those plans were drawn. There are also some sources that explain why back in the 80s the outer limit of the TEZ was actually the no-cross line, meaning that interceptions should be done -if possible- before the intruder got to cross it. You say that´s long passed and no longer appliable, well, again, enough for me; I´ll take it as the present truth.

Never said that the UK has plans to harm Argentina in a military way. I´m afraid I just did not make myself clear. I do believ that good-will prevails on both sides down south and that´s the main explanation for the lack of serious incidents since June 1982. I also know about some exercises run by both military in the past 20 years, thou I would not called them frequent. They are actually rare.

I also agree with you as for the wish of both peoples to live peaceful. It just happens that an open unsolved issue remains: sovereignty over the islands. It can surely be solved and we all expect it will be done sooner than later.

One last thing, of course you´re free to choose whom to listen or read. As for me, I choose to read you all.

CAW,
Many thanks for your honest clarification. All want to coexist in peace. The sovereignty issue is the real stopper. It is an issue for the Falkland Islanders and I think they won't be changing course any time soon. They have long memories, the 1982 invasion was the big mistake.
Best Regards

End to all discusions?

Argentina officially suspends fighter replacement programme | IHS Jane's 360

Argentina wants six Super Étendards

La Tribune reports that Argentina is in talks with France to buy six second-hand Super Étendard carrier-borne fighters.

The main sticking point is the price as Argentina wants the jets for 10 million Euros while France is asking 12 million.

On the specific subject of the thread, it seems that an Argentinean Kfir deal was close enough for IAI to go ahead and build/refurbish the aircraft... Paris Air Show 2017: IAI looks to offload unsold Argentinean Kfirs to US 'Red Air' training companies | Jane's 360

A small batch of SuE would make sense.


Are any of the original batch of SuE in Argentina operational? Tough to find any reference of when they last flew.

They really don't NEED modern fighters.....

they only buy them to keep the military busy and out of the Cassa Rosado TBH -same in most S American countries

"he said, adding that Discovery Air has not been approached, though he did not elaborate as to why not."

That's because the LAHAV Division are trying to offload the ex-Netz ac to them......still.

May I ask what "SuE" are please?

Super Etendard

-RP