David Cameron 'bordering on stupidity' over Falkland , says Argentina president

[Kingofthedead4]

And with the cuts to our armed services, I think we could only send a slingshot this time.

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by DocDutch

But Sirius, the last time the Royal navy had fighters that could operate from carriers like the Sea Harrier, now it would have to be long range support of tankers.

oh not to forget last time there was a decent navy left as well dont think the type 45's are that great for air defence myself and without air support a fleet is a sitting duck

We could always call on our friends in America there always after oil . Because lets face it we can not trust the EU to help us against a common cold never mind the Argentinians

Merged with existing thread on this subject

[Chrysalis]

If wiki is anywhere near accurate the defense looks poor, just 4 fighter jets. I am assuming there is a lot more then that the way people are posting its a fortress. If I am not mistaken our navy is weaker than in the 80s as well.

Neither side can AFFORD to go to war..except one of rhetoric and insult.

[DocDutch]

If they are worried ship another squadron of euro fighters and tornados over and that will deter enough

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

If wiki is anywhere near accurate the defense looks poor, just 4 fighter jets. I am assuming there is a lot more then that the way people are posting its a fortress. If I am not mistaken our navy is weaker than in the 80s as well.

The size of the navy is less important than how much of it is stationed at, or close to, the Falklands. Also, there were no fast jets stationed in the islands in 1982 - there wasn't even a runway that could serve them. There is now a whole new RAF base, RAF Mount Pleasant.

In 1982 the Argentine army was able to land on the islands unopposed and, once there, had only to over-run the modest garrison that was stationed near Stanley. Now, just getting close to the islands would be a costly business. Those four Typhoon jets and their armament are far superior to anything in the Argentine arsenal, which has suffered chronic lack of investment over the last 30 years.

The British military presence in the Falklands is a powerful deterrent against attack - an attack, incidentally, that the Argentine government has absolutely no intention of launching anyway.

[Chrysalis]

Originally Posted by Chris

The size of the navy is less important than how much of it is stationed at, or close to, the Falklands. Also, there were no fast jets stationed in the islands in 1982 - there wasn't even a runway that could serve them. There is now a whole new RAF base, RAF Mount Pleasant.

In 1982 the Argentine army was able to land on the islands unopposed and, once there, had only to over-run the modest garrison that was stationed near Stanley. Now, just getting close to the islands would be a costly business. Those four Typhoon jets and their armament are far superior to anything in the Argentine arsenal, which has suffered chronic lack of investment over the last 30 years.

The British military presence in the Falklands is a powerful deterrent against attack - an attack, incidentally, that the Argentine government has absolutely no intention of launching anyway.

Ok there is the RAF base which I already read, but how many planes?
How many troops?
Anti aircraft defenses?

A navy becomes important if we lose the island and need to reinvade.

[DocDutch]

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Ok there is the RAF base which I already read, but how many planes?
How many troops?
Anti aircraft defenses?

A navy becomes important if we lose the island and need to reinvade.

okay from Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Mount_Pleasant

4x Euro Fighters

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Ok there is the RAF base which I already read, but how many planes?
How many troops?
Anti aircraft defenses?

A navy becomes important if we lose the island and need to reinvade.

We could tell you but why let the Argies know? Keep them guessing..

[denphone]

Not a lot is it 4 Euro Fighters.

[devilincarnate]

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Ok there is the RAF base which I already read, but how many planes?
How many troops?
Anti aircraft defenses?

A navy becomes important if we lose the island and need to reinvade.

This is all it says?

In addition, there are regular naval deployments to the region and temporary deployments for routine exercises. The exact force levels are kept under constant review and are structured and maintained at a level consistent with this policy.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/De...landsbfsai.htm

Location: Falkland Islands South Atlantic
Postcode: BFPO 655
Station overview
The most recent purpose-built airfield in the RAF, Mount Pleasant was opened in 1984 to establish a fighter and transport presence in the Islands following the Falklands War. Currently based at Mount Pleasant are No 1435 Flight with 4 Tornado F3s, No 1312 Flight, with a single VC10 tanker and 1 Hercules C1, as well as No 78 Squadron with Chinook and Sea King helicopters. Ground units include No 7, 303 and 751 Signals Units and a Rapier detachment from the RAF Regiment.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/s...ation=Overseas

[DocDutch]

it is if you think that the most modern figthers of the Argies is a Mirage III or a IAI Finger (clone of the mirage 3)

see info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_air_force

Devil that looks like old info its 4 Euro's that are based there.

[Chrysalis]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

We could tell you but why let the Argies know? Keep them guessing..

indeed, I am assuming wiki is wrong as it should be classified info. Building an airbase for 4 planes doesnt make sense. Or maybe there was originally much more planes then cuts after cuts dwindled it down.

I am just assuming also tho that there is more info than I know as people seem confident somehow the island is heavily defended.

Back in 1982 total heavy weapons for the defence of the islands consisted of four l7a1's and two 2" morters neither of which were in working condition. There were no prepared defensive positions or anyway on the islands themselves to detect an approach by hostile forces.

Now there are prepped defensive positions, working and better morters, light artillery, anti aircraft defences, surface to surface missile systems to engage incoming ships and anti armour missile systems as well. On top of that four fighter jets that on their own can probably hold off the argentine aurforce which is not a shadow of what it was in the 80's.

Not forgetting full radar coverage it is completely different now to the situation back then. There is zero chance of armed conflict over the islands again unless some complete lunatic gets power in argentina.