MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands and the Mirages: playing with the Islanders worst memories
The British press has picked on news from Spain and Argentina to state that the government of President Cristina Fernandez is about to sign an agreement to purchase refurbished Mirage F1 decommissioned by the Spanish Air Force, which could become potentially a major threat for the Falkland Islands and another reason for escalating the ever sensitive Argentina/UK relations. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesOn the positive side, the cost if the aircraft being so low is an indication of their condition, the lack of spares and problems with serviceability, and their range not being enough to loiter over the Falklands, Typhoons notwithstanding. One sould not trust Fernandez, even if she loathes her military, there might be provocations, like we are seeing with Mariano Fortunato Rajoy.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 02:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0Ecuador has retired its Mirage F1s, they were an early 1970s status symbol, the military aviation equivalent of the medallion and chest wig of the Disco King.
Still, with Argentina's maintenance record, it might mean that Martin Baker need to get some more ties on order.
Spain should be careful,populist newspapers in the U.K. will start calling for a holiday BOYCOTT!
Aug 05th, 2013 - 02:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0+with their experience with Argentina will they ever get paid?
If ..... but ....... maybe ???
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:09 am - Link - Report abuse 0Its great negative publicity against Spain, but are 8 tired old Mirage jets really “...potentially a major threat for the Falkland Islands” ?
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0This reminds me of a joke that did the rounds in 1982:
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0Q. “What's the difference between an Argentine Mirage and a Rowntree's Fruit Pastille?”
A. “The fruit pastille lasts longer...”
clearly argentina has intentions to militarise the south atlantic........disgusting!
Aug 05th, 2013 - 04:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0haggling over eight below average targets for the typhoons, assuming they ever make it into the air long enough to be obliterated in what would be a short life span.
another reason why world aid should cease for argentina as they obviously have enough money to waste on useless junk they surely don't need financial aid for development and poverty!
however I like spains style, selling their shit to argentina......nice!
heres to all the future “soon to be dead” argentine pilots, another few heroes for the argentina government to mis-use.
Spain should sell the jets to Argentina, take money upfront, US dollars, cash, in plastic bags, ask Rajoy for payment details (but take a picture Argies, he might not remember clearly) and then nationalise the 'planes for 1€ each, 50c for the spares and send CFK a crisp 10€ note.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 04:56 am - Link - Report abuse 0Then the RAF might shoot them down over Gibraltar, 2 birds, one stone.
Stirring the pot to keep the Falklands in the news.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:09 am - Link - Report abuse 0Aren't these mirages just way out of date to be any threat? I'm not an expert but doesn't the Falklands now have rapier air defence stations as well as the euro fighters. Wouldn't we also just rotate a T45 down there if they started making threats?
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0I wouldn't get too worried boys and girls, these aircraft barely have the fuel range to even get to the islands and back, let alone try and take on of the greatest Fighter aircraft in history.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0In 1982, Argentina with over 120 fairly modern supersonic and high subsonic jets had their arses kicked by 30 rag tag subsonic and highly dangerous to fly Harriers with not one single Harrier being shot down in air to air combat. Think what Britain is capable of with just 4 of the worlds best fighter against these worn out old Mirages whicj are way past their prime.
“the excesses of some British media are not helpful.” What a stupid comment!
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0What is not helpful is the continuous bleating and whining from La Kretina and Timerman with their unfounded claims for the sovereignty of the Falklands archipelago. Their fairy tales and mythical claims are utterly risible!
@7 Mr Ed.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0Very good. :-D
Just read o9n BBC News about the death of Admiral Sandy Woodward
Aug 05th, 2013 - 06:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0RIP Sandy - great job
The guys at RAF Mount Pleasant are bored at the moment and maybe HMS Clyde might pop down for some Tactical Exercises.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 07:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0Just one salvo of cruise missiles from one of our subs and those ancient rustbuckets will be destroyed on the ground.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 07:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0RIP Sandy a great sailor whose task force comprehensively defeated Anayas Argentine aggressors and secured the Falklands prosperous and peaceful future.
The Mirage sale is hardly a threat. First it's very unlikely that Spain will receive any payment for them in the first place. Secondly, the aircraft are totally obsolete. Even Spain was retiring them from service and from the report, they are going to need a lot of work to keep them in the air.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 07:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0It appears that this announcement was timed to allow Spain to insult Great Britain over the Gibraltar dispute. Spain is so desperate for money, that they are selling off their obsolete squadrons to any mug that will buy them. It just so happens that there is an (ugly) mug in the Mad Bitch of Buenos Aires and they've flogged the Mirages to her in the hope of a) getting some desperately needed funds and b) sticking two fingers up at London in the process.
Wouldn't worry about this, as they will more than likely suffer a number of 'training accidents' before the Argentines realise they've been sold some 'lemons'.
Good luck with that.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 07:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0Not sure that they are a significant that to the Falklands. We can blow them up whilst they're still on the runway.
RIP Sandy.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 07:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0A great man, you'll be sorely missed by all.
The Dark Country, the gift that keeps on giving.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 08:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0Perhaps they can use their 'new' Pampers to wipe up the blood from the Mirage Pilots.
Ha, ha, ha.
Oh dear, seems Spain will even sell a handful of tired old war planes that will struggle to remain airworthy for long just to annoy the UK and appease Argentina. Argentina already owe so much to so many with massive debts that they are desperate enough to buy these old aircraft. Even if sent to attack the Falkland Islands they would not get within 100 miles of the islands before being struck down by long range anti aircraft missiles and if by some miracle any did get through they still have to face the far superior Typhoon and the Type 45 Destroyer. Silly people.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 08:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0As indicated by others, these “aircraft” are shit. For a start, they are 60s technology. Compare that to the Typhoon that, at the outset, was 90s technology. It's worth noting that, when CFK empties the piggy bank, the aircraft are to be shipped. By contrast, the Typhoons were flown to the Falklands. Is it possible that the Mirage wings are about to fall off? These “aircraft” are no threat. Those with knowledge will be aware that Typhoons deploy BVR (Beyond Visual Range) weaponry. Thus making it possible for Typhoons to destroy them as they taxi to the runways. How curious that CFK can afford to “buy” these aircraft, but can't afford to pay her debts. Isn't this “militarisation” of the South Atlantic? Perhaps, if Britain is a “pirate”, it will be understandable if these Mirages “disappear” over the sea. Doubt there'll be much to be found from a Mirage that hits the sea from 30,000 feet. Besides, as 1982 showed, argie pilots are only good for ground/sea level objectives. One to one and they are good for dying!
Aug 05th, 2013 - 08:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0A Mirage F1 doesn't have the legs to reach the Falkland Islands without in-flight refuelling and the FAA capabilities are woeful in that respect. They're a heap of junk with no greater capability than the Mirage III.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 09:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0In the first Gulf War they proved no match, the original French air missile fit proved ineffective.
Its all about you.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 09:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0Wouldn't worry about Gib. 21.5% of tourists in Spain so far this year were British (Five Million). 24 Airports built during the Boom were never used. A lot more would go out of service if they 'piss off' the British Public.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 11:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0According to my contacts Argentina has been buying ejection seats and other upgrades for 18 months.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 11:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0Other upgrades - Nikes? White flags?
Aug 05th, 2013 - 12:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@23 Let's just remember, in the case of the hugely capable Spanish aircraft carrier, that it's actually an amphibious assault ship. A piddling 27,079 tonnes. And the ARA General Belgrano of 1982 infamy was sunk by a single British submarine. HMS CONQUEROR I believe!
Aug 05th, 2013 - 12:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 026 Faz
Aug 05th, 2013 - 12:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Pampers “adult” for when the wings tear off.
LOLs
Looked up the Stats on the Mirage F1 a2a kills and a2a losses.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 12:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ratio was 1:2.
Though it must be said this was greatly influenced by who was operating them.
@27 The late Admiral Sir John “Sandy” Woodward Royal Navy told how anxious his staff were while they waited for Northwood & Downing Street to give the order to Conqueror to sink the Belgrano.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 12:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If you read his excellent book, he told how when he heard the news about Flt Lt Mortimer's reconnaissance flight & that he located the Argentine Northern Group, he jumped out of bed (in his PJs) and ran to the Ops Room to discuss what needed to be done.
What you can say about 'Sandy' is that he was a consummate professional sailor & although he was not aware that some of his team were letting him down by not telling him what was wrong with the air war, he managed to achieve his task and liberated the Falkland Islanders.
For that alone, he will be remembered by all British people, especially the Falkland Islanders - with gratitude.
'Falklands Commander John Woodward Dies At 81
Aug 05th, 2013 - 12:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0David Cameron hails Admiral Sir John Woodward as a “truly courageous and decisive leader” for his command in the Falklands War....'
http://news.sky.com/story/1124838/falklands-commander-john-woodward-dies-at-81
Gibraltar: Conflict unlikely, holding line imperative
“For our family, like many others in Britain, Gibraltar is a little slice of the UK tucked away in a place as British as the red telephone boxes.” And Falklands need to watch it...'
http://news.sky.com/story/1124838/falklands-commander-john-woodward-dies-at-81
'In London believe that Argentina tries militarizing the South Atlantic
The government of David Cameron went on alert and, according to the London press-evaluates reinforce custody of the Falkland Islands: Cristina Kirchner ensure that approved the purchase of 20 warplanes resale Spain...'
http://news.sky.com/story/1124838/falklands-commander-john-woodward-dies-at-81
'David Cameron wants to strengthen military presence in Malvinas'
http://news.sky.com/story/1124838/falklands-commander-john-woodward-dies-at-81
'Cristina Kirchner arrives in New York for UN meeting
Buenos Aires. - The President will arrive in the afternoon today and keep an audience with Ban Ki-moon. Tomorrow will deliver a speech to the Security Council, where presumably will claim sovereignty over the Falkland Islands...'
http://news.sky.com/story/1124838/falklands-commander-john-woodward-dies-at-81
They are for propaganda and photo ops, nothing more. They look cooler than a training jet.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 01:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What kinds of other fighter jets does the Argentine Air Force currently use?
When I read this article, took from another british newspaper, I laughed at loud voice several minutes.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 01:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0This purchasing, not confirmed yet by either the Spanish Government or the Argentine government, would not change anything the South Atlantic Area situation. These planes, if transferred, would be usefull just to train pilots. Just for this.
If CFK wanted to affect the FI the easiest way would be to ban the use of the Argentine air space by LAN and to cut the links between FI and the continent. This wouldn't be a friendly action but quite a peacefully one and nobody would do more than a complaint.
It would be a sovereign action since nobody has the right to use any air space without the acceptance of the country. For safety reasons.
Unless of course your name happens to be Morales.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 01:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In which case you fly where ever you like, when ever you like.
I can appreciate the need for the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina – FAA) to acquire some new aircraft. According to sources in Buenos Aires, the number of high performance combat aircraft currently in service; mainly Mirages and A-4AR Skyhawks, amounts to “fewer than ten” per type, which is less than a third of the more modern fighter-bombers deployed by neighbouring countries such as Chile or Brazil. Furthermore with an aging fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules Argentina has limited air-lift and in-flight air refuelling capacity.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 01:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Jane’s defence weekly recently reported Argentine interest in the Chinese Chengdu FC-1, with possibly a joint production deal. This would however mean a lead delivery time of say 4 years with another 2 years for full training. One advantage would be cost, as the plane would be substantially cheaper than a modern western plane such as the F35-A or the Typhoon Euro fighter, which at $100m+ each are effectively beyond Argentina’s price range.
In any event I hardly think that the Falklands are in any danger. A simple upgrade of the Radar defences and Rapier missile systems plus a couple more Typhoons should be sufficient.
Furthermore in a few years Britain’s trance of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II will come on stream and the UK will have its new generation aircraft carriers coming into service by the end of the decade.
All in all I see no reason for the good people of the Falklands to lose any sleep. The UK will continue to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral obligations to defend their ancient liberties, freedoms and way of life.
this is the only place i have heard or seen anything about this.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 01:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I guess I must read the wrong “British Press”.
---
technically though - who cares? its a fistful of outdated jets EVEN IF they were ever bought and EVEN IF Argentina had the spares or fuel to fly them.
It really is a story from nothing... has t be said that I'm starting to see the case about MercoPress made by some South Americans.
The threat of these jets is about as credible as CFKs speeches.
36 Anbar (#)
Aug 05th, 2013 - 01:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The story was reported in the Saturday editions of the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express. Not the lead front page story obviously.
Apparently all this boils down to a cat and mouse game,
Aug 05th, 2013 - 02:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0They aint good enough to dog fight, not fast enough,
So it will be playing games, hoping to wear down the RAF ,
Sadly this is very childish thinking,
More typhoons would be sent,
Almost certainly a few of these Argies would be shot down,
Unless they stay well outside of Falkland’s territory,
In this case, it would eventually cost argentina millions in fuel costs, repairs , upgrades,
And end up grounding them all.,
Still,
If you buy toys,
Then you must expect some breakages’…lol
.
Wrong news. It's the latest Eurofighters were getting...
Aug 05th, 2013 - 02:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0#39, even if that were true they would be flown by RGs lol! They would be able to retreat even faster though...
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@39 I very much doubt that - You cannot afford them.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 039. You can't afford the jet fuel or spare parts..
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Plus the USA would never let you buy new stuff
Won't happen
'Mercosur expressed “concern” about the U.S. spy -
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The foreign ministers of member countries of Mercosur met with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and warned that those “illegal procedures” impact on “the political stability of the countries.”
So ruled the Latin American delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Hector Timerman, arrived today in New York and met with the referent UN, as confirmed in a press conference the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela Elias Jaua.
The ministers also denounced the “outrage, tort presidential immunity” of Evo Morales when he was “prevented the free movement” of his plane by a group of European countries “under suspicion” that there moved former agent CIA Edward Snowden.
Jaua, who acted as spokesman for the meeting to reporters, said that Mercosur conveyed to Ban Ki-Moon requesting that “preserve the sacred right to asylum”, a principle that the region “is not willing to negotiate” .
In another order, the delegation demanded “that there is a solution to the cessation of economic blockade of Cuba and Argentina recover the full exercise of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands”....'
http://www.lmcordoba.com.ar/nota/137007_mercosur-expreso-preocupacion-por-el-espionaje-de-eeuu
39 Argie
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I think this is the only Eurofighter The Dark Country could ever afford:
http://www.airfix.com/shop/quick-build/j6002-quick-build-eurofighter-typhoon/
@35. I agree. The purchase of 20 supersonic F1s is more about the FAA retaining a core military capability rather than any threat to any neighbor
Aug 05th, 2013 - 03:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It's simply an affordable stop-gap option that the FAA are exercising, based on an old Spanish unsolicited proposal dating over five years ago
Argentina's government has previously said it renounces military action regarding its Falklands Islands dispute; thus the appropriate response is to speak softly
Maybe Spain will sell the clapped out Mirages as payback for Repsol
Aug 05th, 2013 - 04:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That, or it just goes to prove how stupid some people are
Hope they have plenty more parking spaces on their airfields?
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0They can park this lot alongside the other grounded FAA Mirages.
@39 haha your best joke yet...........................in your dreams pal, they cost 65 million a go
Aug 05th, 2013 - 05:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I do hope that Ban Ki-moon asks why CFK is militarising the South Atlantic with this purchase of Mirage jets from Spain. Argentina throws a tantrum when Prince William goes to the Falkland Islands to do Search & Rescue, but the moment Argentina purchase 20 fighter bombers, there's not a peep from them about militarisation.
Aug 05th, 2013 - 06:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What's good for the Goose is good for the Gander.
@49 he probably knows that the wings will fall off 24 hours after delivery so doesn't class it as militarisation just scrap metal business. Its amazing though that rgenweener scream about us but say nowt about the new Brazilian Nuclear submarines and new frigates, strange eh? Wait till they find out the crews are going to be trained in Britain, then standby for a tantrum
Aug 05th, 2013 - 06:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Argentina fears an invasion from the Falklands/Malvinas,bet they could do it too,
Aug 05th, 2013 - 07:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0judging by military history!
@ 42 yankeeboy
Aug 05th, 2013 - 08:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“You can't afford the jet fuel or spare parts..”
Jet fuel?
Spare parts?
They fly on twisted rubber bands - zatz allz you need :-D
I suspect they also need patching with balsa wood and polystyrene glue! :-P
Aug 05th, 2013 - 09:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As a sovereign nation, Argentina has every right to upgrade its air force. I would imagine that they are looking over their shoulder at Chile and Brazil - not the Falklands.
Aug 06th, 2013 - 07:48 am - Link - Report abuse 0They are perfectly entitled to exercise over their coastline and in the direction of the Falklands, The Russians regularly fly towards UK air space but never enter it.
If the Argentinians conduct regular “probing ” flights towards the Falklands then ground rules should be established.
If they continue on a heading towards the Falklands and it is considered a “threat” by the UK military, they should then be warned that deadly force will be used against them unless they about turn and head back towards Argentina.
This “exclusion zone ” could be quantified and the Argentinian command notified.
As to the Mirage F1, I believe they were brought into the Spanish Air force in 1975 or thereabouts. This would indicate that the airframes must be nearing time expired status.
I'd be more concerned if the Argentines bought Matador 2s off Spain rather than aircraft built before the Falklands War.
Aug 06th, 2013 - 08:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0@39
What, do the Spanish accept Soya beans as payment?
If the Mirage F1 is a single seater then the pilot will be a formidable force in the air on ground attack, he will have to fly and throw stones at the same time.
Aug 06th, 2013 - 08:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0@54 Clyde15
Aug 06th, 2013 - 09:55 am - Link - Report abuse 0My late father was a Captain in the Merchant Navy (I was in the Andrew). He delivered supplies to the Falklands after the war and returned with a number of aircraft, including the sole Chinook to survive Atlantic Conveyor, Bravo November. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bravo_November
Whilst he was unloading at Stanley, they often saw the RAF Phantoms taking off in pursuit of Argentine reconnaissance flights. I remember him saying to me that they usually took off with a full rack of missiles underneath, but occasionally they returned with their missiles missing!
It seems that after the war, the Argies continued to try and penetrate Falklands airspace and paid for their impertinence. I suspect that the Martin Baker company had to provide a few more ties and the Argie pilots had some swimming lessons in the South Atlantic!
@57 Nigelpwsmith,
Aug 06th, 2013 - 02:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0During year 1983 Raúl Alfonsín become President of Argentina and I remember that some small incidents happened between argentine planes and the RAF Phantoms at that time. Two of them were between a PC3 Orion of the Argentine Navy and a Phantom. One of the incident was taped and shown on TV local news. It still must be in youtube.
Another one one was between a fishery ship and a Harrier. The plane overflew the ship several times. This was also taped from the ship and shown on TV.
Even though the Phantoms were deployed several years in the FI RAF base I don't think it would be possible that a militar action took place and was kept in secret by both sides. It wouldn't be possible during Alfonsin's presidency. It is not reasonable.
Really I cannot believe that there readers who post comments showing their concern about the possible transfer of some old aircraft that will serve only for pilot training.
The potential transfer of Mirage F1 of Spain to Argentina is an old piece of news highly published and repeatedly delayed. What's wrong with it?
What would eventually happen if Argentina buy some modern aircraft? Soemthing such as the Rafale, Sukhoi, SAABs. Another war?
It’s all about BLUFF old chaps, BLUFF,
Aug 06th, 2013 - 03:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Apparently CFK as leader of Argentina HAS done a secret deal to actually buy 50 F35A
30 F35B and 20 F35C, to fly from her new airfields and the new carrier she is buying,
True chaps, very true,
And we can now reveal the company she is doing business with,
AIRFIX INDUSTRIES..
Remember its all BLUFF lol.
.
I thought Spain's recent hysterical behaviour and threats regarding Gibralter were a smoke screen to try and get people's minds off Rajoy's shortcomings in terms of honesty. However, it's so Galtieri-like, I wonder if it's not part of the deal to get Argentina to pay good money for what are apparently clapped-out relics?
Aug 06th, 2013 - 09:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@60
Aug 07th, 2013 - 08:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0All the governments and politicians all around the world react the same way when facing internal issues. The usage of foreign affairs as a smoke screen to divert public opinion can be currently seen in Argentina, Spain, Bolivia, Peru, USA and also the UK. There are always differences in the reactions of their politicians depending of the cultural matters but essentially the issue is the same.
These mirage are old planes but fresher than the current material of the Argentine Air Force and the Argentine Navy. They are at least a decade more modern so it's not a bad idea to transfer them for training usage.
CFK has always been quite afraid of the defense forces so she let their material gradually became a piece of scrap no matter that they country would be unprotected.
Again, I don't understand the concerns of the UK media or the FI people. Unless they prefer to see Argentina without any defense capability.
61 pgerman
Aug 07th, 2013 - 11:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0“Again, I don't understand the concerns of the UK media or the FI people. Unless they prefer to see Argentina without any defense capability.”
Do you remember what Putridjelly said? “If the Task Force was not on the islands they would be ours”.
It is the threat that TMBOA is capable of anything the Mad Hatter would come up with that worries us, not a stable Argentina having a Defence Force.
Now all you have to do is get a stable Argentine government “ruled” by a stable President, not a nut case and you are home and dry.
Don't hold your breath.
Chris @ 62
Aug 07th, 2013 - 12:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0No such thing as a stable Argentine gov't in the last 80+ years and no reason to anticipate one.
@ChrisR
Aug 07th, 2013 - 01:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't remember whether I had direct discussion with you or not in this media but I'm quite well known for my anti-CFK position. So, I don't have to say any excuse to justify CFK attitudes.
The Former minister could have said whatever he wanted but Argentina changed a lot during the last decades I don't believe that any rational person here would justify any militar action against anyone.
But I believe that some people in this media (I'm referring to rational and respectful ones) seem to don't understand that a country cannot be without defense forces.
Argentina has a very peaceful history since it took part in two wars during the last century. The FI and Desert Shield (this last one in quite a secondary role) so I wouldn't consider it a threat to the region at all. Just to the contrary.
On the other side you must recognize me that Argetnina has the right to ban the usage of its ports, territorial water or air space to any other country if needed or desired. Spain has exactly the very same right. The UK too.
So, from my point of view as regards FI issue Argentina has plenty of peaceful (they are not friendly ones for sure but peaceful ones) resources to try to get some benefit from this situation. After all this is diplomacy.
64 pgerman
Aug 07th, 2013 - 03:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Yes, I do know of your comments about TMBOA made from safe within the borders of Canada.
But it matters not one jot what the two Yuan whore spouts at the UN OR what you think diplomacy is: Argentine diplomacy is an oxymoron.
The FACT is that Argentina altered the constitution to ensure no dialogue over the Falklands was possible that attempted to alter or amend their ridiculous and fictitious standpoint.
Frankly I see no reason why TMBOA wants an air force comprised of death traps to their pilots and she has yet to come up with the money so it is all supposition.
There is plenty more where they came from!! and a few submarines to throw into the deal!! Argentina now is your chance to buy!!
Aug 08th, 2013 - 11:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0#66
Aug 08th, 2013 - 12:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Please do !!! They will be more of a threat to your personnel than to ours !
It maybe a decade before the Americans can fix the Spanish sub. In the meantime, it will become obsolete, like the rest of the Spanish & Argentine Navies.
Aug 08th, 2013 - 03:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0They may even start sinking themselves in their bases!
So fun to see the Argentine built Type 42 capsize all by itself.
I see kelpers already trembling for a bunch of old mirage.;)
Aug 08th, 2013 - 04:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0*68 Keep on dreaming!! Spain has just built and sold two LHDs to the Australia Navy and just last week signed a contract to build five air warfare destroyers AWD.
Aug 08th, 2013 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The submarines should be ready by 2015. The defence budget for 2013 is 30 billion with the purchase of more eurofighters and more navy ships...
69 JIB
Aug 08th, 2013 - 04:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0No, the ones trembling are the argie pilots, who, if the deal ever goes through would have to fly them.
EVERYBODY else is SHAKING with laughter!
@70
Aug 08th, 2013 - 05:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Were are you getting these “facts”?
“Spain has just built and sold two LHDs to the Australia Navy”
Yeah built in Spain but fitted out with all the important components in Australia, Spain can construct a 20,000 helicopter carrier, big whoop, Britain is building two 65,000 Tonne aircraft carriers.
“contract to build five air warfare destroyers AWD.”
No idea were you got that from, if you are referring to oz then only 3 vessels have been ordered and they are to be built in Australia.
“The submarines should be ready by 2015.” Yeah four dull and obsolete diesel electric subs, hardly cutting edge compared to Britain's Astute class nuclear attack subs and the likes of Frances Barracudas and the US's new Virginia class is it?
“with the purchase of more eurofighters and more navy ships...” Yeah only 60 Eurofighter's to Britain's 160, as for new ships- very few as the defence cuts are a about to hit Spain like a sledgehammer, 50% youth unemployment and rising.
@69
Aug 10th, 2013 - 11:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0You may note that the FIDF rejected the L85 and flew to Austria to get the Steyr AUG-BEFORE the Argentine forces bought it.
The Islanders are laughing at Argentina all the way from New Island to Stanley-you think it is a coup to buy Mirage F1s that were built before the 1982 Falklands war?
Don't you get it? The Spanish are selling them as a :
1/- Minor irritant to the UK
2/-To get revenge for the Repsol/YPF (ie Spain are selling aircraft that cannot have many airframe hours left-EVEN your Pampers nappy training jet mk1 is younger!)
The Mirage F1s are being replaced by Eurofighters in Spain-a clue for you buddy, Eurofighters are defending the Falklands.
Argentina has given a lot for the Islanders to laugh at and generously, a lot for other people to laugh at too.
73 Pete Bog
Aug 10th, 2013 - 02:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“EVEN your Pampers nappy training jet mk1 is younger!”
Brilliant comment. :o)
I like to read La Nacion and Clarin for entertainment.....and to study Spanish. It's the best show on the planet at the moment. Fu*king ridiculous Argentines.
Aug 10th, 2013 - 09:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Seems like a lot of money to watch them being shot out of the sky if you ask me, on another note I'm selling a Nikko remote control helicopter, it's unarmed and ready for service in the Argentine Air Force, cheaper and more reliable than a Mirage and you can get the parts of ebay
Aug 11th, 2013 - 08:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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