Nobody could say the same thing now
1,700 man permanent garrison, an airfield with three fighters, three RN frigates/destroyers and a nuclear sub in the area. The Argentines, meanwhile, still have the same planes they had in '82.
( Kroney, Fri 15 Jun 2012, 10:59, 1 reply, 13 years ago)

The problem now is that if Argentina were somehow to take them back
we would not be able to retake them as we have no sodding aircraft carriers left - or planes to put on them.

'Experts' reckon the only possible way for the Argies to take the islands would be through a special forces attack on RAF Mount Pleasant.
(Reverend Fister "a disciplined fuckwit", Fri 15 Jun 2012, 11:08, Reply)

Not quite true, HMS Illustrious is still commissioned.
Not that she carries a great deal of airpower now all the Harriers are gone.
( Kroney, Fri 15 Jun 2012, 11:14, Reply)

That makes it a helicopter carrier rather than an aircraft carrier, but I accept your point
but an invasion without air cover would be a disaster.
(Reverend Fister "a disciplined fuckwit", Fri 15 Jun 2012, 11:17, Reply)

I have no evidence for it
but I suspect the Harriers could be recommissioned if necessary. The point I was making is that we have a ship capable of operating as a strike carrier. But yeah, the lack of planes is something of a handicap.
( Kroney, Fri 15 Jun 2012, 11:26, Reply)

the harriers currently lying in bits and pieces being used for parts by the usaf
I like jigsaw puzzles
( Light In Chains maker of the ikea sofa, Fri 15 Jun 2012, 11:30, Reply)

Ah, in which case they probably couldn't be.

( Kroney, Fri 15 Jun 2012, 11:30, Reply)