How long can the force projection last? Are you sure those destroyers can outlast an onslaught of exocet missiles? I’m just playing the devil’s advocate here, but I’m sceptical that a few destroyers really deter a land based air wing.
“How long can the force projection last? Are you sure those destroyers can outlast an onslaught of exocet missiles? I’m just playing the devil’s advocate here, but I’m sceptical that a few destroyers really deter a land based air wing.”
Well, one Type 45 using it’s PAAMS with Aster 15 and 30 missiles is capable of taking down the entire Argentinian fast jet force without a reload and at BVR, so I am confident. Factor in the other assets and I become entirely confident. The Exocets were a serious threat in 1982, but no longer.
Of course if Argentina suddenly finds some money and decides to turn this into a long hot war, then defending a remote outpost from a nearby mainland force can become more challenging, but I suspect a selection of well placed tomahawks would dampen their ardour somewhat and I doubt the political will to continue will exist. Nothing’s guaranteed in this life, but I don’t think setting up a Spanish language school in Port Stanley is going to be a good investment for a long time yet.