I'm pretty sure that any military assets the UK or US could send out to defend the islands we have no reason to want are either A: tied up in the middle east or B: getting sold off to combat our ridiculously crappy economy. That and I very much doubt Cameron or Obama could afford to be seen wasting money going to war in the current political climate. Especially Obama.
If Argentina wants the Falklands, it can more or less just waltz in there and take them. Although I'm still not entirely sure why anyone would want the Falklands.
edited 22nd Dec '11 4:30:59 PM by TheMalignancy
I doubt it. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, basically all of NATO went in a kicked their ass. If someone invades a NATO country, they will be helped. America has several "Marine ready groups" based off Wasp class ships, which carry Harriers. Two of them could probably take on Argentina. Anymore and it's a Curb-Stomp Battle. Especially Given a Nimitz battle fleet would likely come along.
I'm baaaaaaackUm no. Joe get yer facts straight. It won't be a repeat of 1983.
First off, there's no firebrand like Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street. Just a bunch of softies. Secondly, the Royal Navy has ZERO aircraft carriers of any kind so there will be no air support for the Falklands beyond the measly 4 Eurofighters at Stanley (which won't last). Thirdly, the Royal Navy has much fewer ships in total, warship and logistical than they did in 1983 whereas the Argentine Navy has grown. Fourth the Argentine Air Force still retains both Exocet missiles and launch platforms.
In 1983 had Invincible and/or Hermes ate an Exocet the war would have ended in Argentina's favor. That crucial key to winning the Falklands last time isn't there anymore. All the Sea Darts in the universe won't mean shit, they suck at anti-missile defense. (And they are terrible at close in defense or engaging agile foes closer than 10 km away.)
Eh it's not the first time they've done such things. In the Falklands War one of the Royal family (I think it was Charles) was flying missile interception missions (read: fly into the missile instead of it hitting a ship). Harry being there today or in the immediate future isn't cause for alarm unless you're in the Paparazzi.
So, I was looking up information on the Argentinian and the UK's military for fun.
Argentina Naval Power
Total Navy Ships: 42
Merchant Marine Strength: 43 [2011]
Major Ports & Terminals: 8
Aircraft Carriers: 0 [2011]
Destroyers: 4 [2011]
Submarines: 3 [2011]
Frigates: 0 [2011]
Patrol Craft: 8 [2011]
Mine Warfare Craft: 0 [2011]
Amphibious Assault Craft: 1 [2011]
....
UK Naval Power
Total Navy Ships: 99
Merchant Marine Strength: 527 [2011]
Major Ports & Terminals: 10
Aircraft Carriers: 1 [2011]
Destroyers: 6 [2011]
Submarines: 11 [2011]
Frigates: 13 [2011]
Patrol Craft: 23 [2011]
Mine Warfare Craft: 15 [2011]
Amphibious Assault Craft: 10 [2011]
edited 22nd Dec '11 7:05:34 PM by TheWesterner
I was wondering why frisbees got bigger as they got closer then it hit me.![]()
![]()
It's tradition for members of the Royal Family to serve in places where the average soldier would end up. Prince Andrew fought in the Falklands War and Prince Harry is due to do a second stint in Afghanistan, for example. Prince Michael was in Cyprus with the Army, Prince Philip in Sicily, etc...
edited 22nd Dec '11 7:02:12 PM by TheBatPencil
And let us pray that come it may (As come it will for a' that)And that is basically the only reason I respect the various people of the Royal Family: they get off their ass and do shit, if only for ceremony's sake.
Also, given those numbers, Argentina would get pwned just against Britain, and with Iraq ending and Afghanistan soon to end there won't be so much distracting the British armed forces...
I am now known as Flyboy.That seems dangerous. Hmmmm....yeah, I guess I respect them more for it too.
Here's a better comparison.
According to this site, Argentina could ranks just above Greece.
edited 22nd Dec '11 7:12:36 PM by TheWesterner
I was wondering why frisbees got bigger as they got closer then it hit me.@Major Tom- You cant just look at the current situation of England and a possible, and unlikely at that, situation for Argentina. If Argentina gets a Government willing to go to war over the islands, chances are its at LEAST 5+ years from now, as the current government has no reason or will to even think about it. By that time, the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be in service, and there is a good chance of the F-35 being ready then.
I'm baaaaaaackAnd Argentina is developing nuclear submarines.
And it seems the US is in favor of Argentina.
edited 22nd Dec '11 7:45:44 PM by TheWesterner
I was wondering why frisbees got bigger as they got closer then it hit me.And this is one of the biggest slaps to the face the UK could possible receive.![]()
Hey, Argentina is pretty big.
But yeah I was not expecting this.
edited 22nd Dec '11 7:57:58 PM by TheWesterner
I was wondering why frisbees got bigger as they got closer then it hit me.It's not necessarily irritating because he chose Argentina over Britain (well, it is), so much as it's irritating because Argentina's position is baseless and they're a bunch of pricks.
I am now known as Flyboy.Tiny was incorrect. But speaking power wise, not as much.
![]()
Ok, yea, piss off a world power. We all know it's a good thing to piss off the British.
Both equally. Argentina dosn't have anymore claim to it than England really, and England was their first so...
edited 22nd Dec '11 8:03:04 PM by Joesolo
I'm baaaaaaackIgnore Westerner; he's basically trolling.
What's the Canadian Navy look like?
I am now known as Flyboy.And it seems this also includes the South Sandwhich Islands and the South Georgias.
edited 22nd Dec '11 8:38:47 PM by TheWesterner
I was wondering why frisbees got bigger as they got closer then it hit me.I still don't think this is going to come to anything. There's not much Argentina can do without looking like an ass; they can negotiate all they want, but the Falklanders clearly don't want to be ruled by Argentina. They're content with how things are, and they'd vote to stay British if it came to that.
And if there are any negotiations, I say there should be representatives from the Falklands there. It's their future being discussed here.

It's not a big deal yet because Argentina hasn't tried anything stupid.
I am now known as Flyboy.