Argentina has 11 Super Etendard but in 2015 could see them converted into SEM
Posted on 02/22/2010 7:07:02 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Falklands’ war tested modernized Super Etendard in Argentine Navy’s agenda
The possible transfer to Argentina of a refurbished model of the French manufactured fighter-bomber Super Etendard, which had an outstanding performance during the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict, is under consideration by the French Ministry of Defence, reveals the French publication, Mer & Marine.
The operation which includes giving the Argentines part of the sophisticated avionics of the Super Etendard Modernized (SEM) model would take place in 2015 when the French navy will de decommissioning their air fleet to be replaced by the new Rafale.
However in the event of the operation going ahead it will depend on the availability of SEMs at the moment the French navy begins the decommissioning process, subject to the Rafale delivery program.
If an agreement is reached with Argentina it won’t necessarily mean the transfer of aircraft to fly with the Argentine Navy colours.
“The sale of aircraft or spares in stock will only be leased to ensure the modernization of the Argentine Super Etendard”, points out a French military source quoted by the publication.
In 1979 Argentina purchased 14 French Super Etendard, five of them were delivered before the Falkland Islands conflict and the rest following the end of hostilities with Britain.
Originally purchased to operate from the air carrier ARA 25 de Mayo, the eleven which remain, are now grounded in air fields because of the decommissioning of the carrier.
Since they use the same aircraft, the Argentine and French navies hold regular contacts and exchange of information.
To such an extent that Argentine pilots recently visited Landivisiau, northwest Bretagne, for training purposes and to be updated on the evolution of the SEM.
The Dassault Aviation Super Etendard flew for the first time in 1974 and four years later 74 of them were incorporated to the French Navy. Since then it has undergone several upgrading which make it “a reliable, modern and extremely polyvalent aircraft”.
The SEM refurbishing has included improved radar (Anemone), an Atlis laser system, Sherloc detectors, heat oriented Barracuda missile and Alka and Phimat flare systems.
In 1997 SEM was equipped with laser guided bombs and AS 30 missiles. As of 2003, 25 SEMs have night operational gear, a combination of GPS and laser which enables the aircraft to pinpoint the objective with just a few metres precision.
“This modernization process should enable the SEM to remain highly effective until at least 2015”, points out the Mer & Marine publication.
Argentina has 11 Super Etendard but in 2015 could see them converted into SEM
Where’s the picture of the guy with his hand on his forehead lamenting, “Oh, Geez, not this crap again?”
Fighting the next war with a proven weapon from the last war is a time honored way to get your ass kicked over and over again. If you’re into that kind of thing.
Next will be war of logistics. I don’t think the British, given their current political and military climates, are going to be able to hold the Falklands.
The prior Falklands war was a “wag the dog” affair. This one could be over an alleged 60 Bn bbls oil (roughly equivalent to the North Sea) off the coast of Argentina.
When I was working on a cruise ship, some of the British officers had some eerie tales to tell of the earlier Falklands war. Two of them were on ships that were sunk/destroyed.
Let’s face it. The French hate the British and will do anything to undermine them. The reverse is also true. To hell with the European Union.
They are gonna add some of them new fangled Kumputers, slap on some stealth hubcaps and she’s ready to go.
A few Sensor Fused weapons and it is all over.
Stealth hubcaps. Genius!
Now would be a good time for Argentina to take the Falklands. The British military is overextended in Afghanistan and their navy isn’t what they used to be so how will they send reinforcements in time? Plus President Obama won’t do squat.
Only problem, they’ll have to fly with the landing gear down.
Just like Ozero’s concepts, they never die, they always come back again to haunt anyone opposed to them.
I don’t think the Brit Navy is anywhere near as capable as it was in 82. The jump jets are no match for these planes and if the Argentines have any kind of air defense missiles available, the Brits will be at a disadvantage. Their only course of action IMO would be to notify the Argentines if they start this up again, this time they will use their subs to blockade their ports and sink any ships coming or going. This could become very nasty very quick.
On the other hand, there is a proper base on the Falklands now. Last time it was about 12 guys.
Sorry but I have to call BS! SSN’s will do the trick without major surface engagements. The British Navy is not what she was but it can kick the living crap out of any Argentine attempt to land on the Falklands.
You are also forgetting one other country who will hold Argentine in check, CHILE! Why? they will buy much of the Falkland oil when it comes on line!
Next will be war of logistics. I don’t think the British, given their current political and military climates, are going to be able to hold the Falklands
Logistics? How will Argentina get their forces to the Falklands then dislodge the current Falklands garrison?
Spot on. Let us not overlook that detail.
Reduction. Look up logistics.
The last war the defence of the Falklands was 40-80 Royal Marines. Reinforcement in time of tension was by ship from the UK. The Argies figured if they could land a few hundred troops it would be over, the Brits wouldn't try to take it back
Now it's a lot harder to take. The Brits have a far heavier garrison, ans it would require a far heavier invasion. Also with RAF Mount Pleasant, reinforcement is a flight from the UK.
If Argentina had used the correct bomb fuses in the first war, they would have won it. I think they will have all their bases covered this time.
I wonder how popular this war will be in Argentina when a dozen cruise missiles show up in downtown Buenos Ares.
The last time the war was about sheep on a couple of rocks in the Atlantic. This time it will be serious, being about billions of barrels of oil.
Argentina is well within reach of the British navy in such a war. London is not within reach of the Argentine air force.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.