A RAF source has admitted the UK would be “hard pressed” to defend the Falkland Islands against Argentina after the British overseas territory was stripped of key air defences. The terrifying admission comes after ministers were accused of downgrading air defences for the Falkland Islands as Argentina continues to plough millions into expanding its air force.
A senior RAF source confirmed the sole Voyager refuelling aircraft stationed in the Falkland Islands has been redeployed in response to the escalating crisis in Iran. The withdrawal of the tanker creates a significant operational gap in the South Atlantic, and without the Voyager’s support, the RAF Typhoon fleet potentially loses its ability to conduct around-the-clock air patrols for the 1,600-mile round trip to South Georgia.
The islands will lack air-to-air refuelling capability for the first time since the 1980s, when Margaret Thatcher deployed a task force to defeat Argentina.
The senior RAF source said: “If the Argentinians decide they want to test our defences, we would be hard pressed to mount a constant combat air patrol with no ability to mount air-to-air refuelling. We need more aircraft and more pilots.”
An RAF source told Defence Eye: “This is not a permanent posture for Mount Pleasant and reflects the current demands from other activity, including around the Middle East. There is an intent to have Voyager support to the Falklands when appropriate.”
This news comes just days after a leaked internal Pentagon memo revealed that the Trump administration was considering reviewing its support for Britain’s claim to the islands in retaliation for Prime Minister Keir Starmer‘s lack of support for the war in Iran.
Downing Street insisted the sovereignty of the archipelago was “not in question”, but the row exposed the growing gulf between the UK and and the US.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to bring the Falkland Islands back into Argentine hands,” Milei told Neura yesterday. “Sovereignty is not negotiable, but it must be done judiciously, it must be done with intelligence.”
He is also said to be ploughing millions into his nation’s military forces, with more than £220 million spent on 24 refurbished F-16 fighter jets from the Danish air force.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence reiterated the UK’s commitment to defending the Falkland Islands.
It said: “The UK’s commitment to the defence of the Falklands is unwavering – and our ability to defend the islands remains strong with fast jets and sophisticated air defences.
“Any redeployment of assets is routine and to support operational priorities, and we are constantly assessing our asset deployment.”
The Express has contacted the MoD for comment.