Argentinian President Javier Milei, apparently emboldened by the U.S. president’s comments about the Falklands Islands, has threatened the UK that Buenos Aires will seize the disputed territory which is currently under British control.
Earlier, the U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington would reconsider its longstanding neutral stance on the islands and might not come to the UK’s aid in case of a military confrontation between the UK and Argentina.
In a televised address on Thursday, Milei said: “Our national claim is facing a clear and present danger and requires a proportional response. We will not allow it.”
He also announced sanctioning the companies drilling in disputed territory, also known as British overseas territory.
The recent escalation in threats by Argentina after around four decades of suffering a resounding defeat against British forces have raised fears of a renewed military conflict between the two countries.
Is the Argentinian military strong enough to fight against Royal forces?
The short answer is that Argentina would face a very difficult fight if the dispute once again turned into a war.
Britain has a much larger defence budget and a stronger air and naval force. It also has two aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines and a modern fleet that gives it a major advantage in a conflict fought thousands of miles away from the UK.
Argentina, on the other hand, has rebuilt parts of its military in recent years but still has serious limitations in equipment, funding and logistics.
According to the 2026 Global Firepower comparison, Britain has more than 600 aircraft compared with around 240 operated by Argentina. The UK also has more than twice as many fighter aircraft.
The difference becomes even more important at sea.
Argentina has no aircraft carrier, while Britain operates two. Argentina also has a much smaller naval fleet and fewer submarines.
But this does not mean Argentina would be completely helpless.
The Falklands are much closer to Argentina than Britain, meaning Buenos Aires would have a geographical advantage if fighting began. Argentine forces could potentially use bases on the mainland to support operations in the South Atlantic.
Britain, however, already maintains a military presence on the islands and regularly reviews its defensive posture there. The UK government has said protecting the Falklands remains one of its defence responsibilities.
The two countries last fought over the islands in 1982 after Argentina invaded. Britain eventually retook the territory after a 74-day war, with hundreds of soldiers killed on both sides.
2026-09-04 22:46:00
