Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The 1982 war between Argentina and the United Kingdom over sovereignty of the Falkland Islands marked a significant turning point in demonstrating the importance and military consequences of modern air operations. The war began when Argentina landed troops on the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982. During the war, Argentina shaped the course of air operations with aircraft such as the Mirage III, A-4 Skyhawk, and Super Étendard. In response to the occupation of the Falklands, the United Kingdom dispatched a task force consisting of the aircraft carriers HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes, equipped with fighter jets. During the operation, the British sought to overcome the distance to the mainland by establishing Ascension Island as a supply and logistics hub. The presence of Harrier aircraft-equipped with vertical takeoff capability-played a critical role in securing air superiority and disrupting Argentine air operations over the islands. During the war, Argentina aimed to weaken the British naval force by launching air attacks against British ships. In particular, the limited number of Exocet missiles in their arsenal posed a serious threat to the British fleet during the conflict.The 74-day war ended on June 14, 1982, with the surrender of Argentine forces to the British Army, following support received by British forces from the mainland and the effective use of fighter jets launched from aircraft carriers. In this study, the impact of air power on the outcome of a war in the modern battlefield is analyzed through document analysis and survey methods. The study serves as an important example demonstrating the role of aircraft carriers in a war regardless of the distance to the combat zone, highlighting the importance of military training conducted during peacetime, and reflecting the fact that a logistics and supply network is indispensable to an army. Furthermore, this war demonstrated the importance of air superiority and the joint operations of land and naval forces for winning a war.
Author: Korkmaz, Doç. Dr. Erdal
Institution: Milli Savunma Üniversitesi
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7215569080