The United Kingdom considers that Argentina remains a threat due to the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands. Since the mid-1980s, they have maintained a land, air, and maritime defense system around the islands, including military exercises and an airbase at Mount Pleasant.
According to a spokesperson for the British government, the forces in the Falkland Islands are solely defensive and are regularly assessed to ensure protection against potential threats. Recently, during the UN General Assembly, representatives from Argentina and the United Kingdom engaged in a dialogue that marked a starting point in relations between the two countries.
Despite the ongoing dialogue, the UK Ministry of Defence has announced the modernization of its air command and control system in the Falkland Islands. Argentina, for its part, has increased its budget to acquire warplanes and maritime patrols. Notably, there is a purchase of F16 aircraft from the United States and Orion from Norway.
It has been reported that the United Kingdom will update its air command system both in the country and in the Falkland Islands. This project aims to improve coordination and response times in high-risk environments. The foreign ministers of both countries have also reached agreements on fishing matters.
There is mention of a potential obstacle in Argentina's acquisition of weapons for the F16s. It is important to highlight that Argentina's strategic approach to Russia and China has led to a reinforcement of the defense of the Falkland Islands by the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom has awarded a contract to the American company IBM for the modernization of the air command and control system in the Falkland Islands. This upgrade is expected to enhance coordination and response in high-risk situations. Although there has been speculation about a possible meeting between Javier Milei and Xi Jinping, the president of China, at the G20 summit, there is still no confirmation regarding this.
