The United States has compelled the United Kingdom to permit the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Argentina, raising concerns about the security of the Falkland Islands.
The agreement between the Biden administration and Argentina was finalized in 2024, prior to the Labour Party coming into power.
Since the Falklands War in 1982, the UK had enforced a strict embargo on arms exports to the South American nation.
Nonetheless, Argentinian President Javier Milei announced in December of last year that discussions had commenced to reconsider these limitations.
Within the same month, Argentina received the fighter jets, priced at $35 million (£25.9 million) each, which President Milei referred to as “guardian angels.”
Despite the longstanding prohibition established by Britain over four decades ago, it is now revealed that the US pressured the UK to approve the transaction.
It has been reported that Foreign Office officials were told ‘in no uncertain terms’ not to oppose the deal.
One Argentine source said the US had made a ‘strong’ case for the sale in secret talks with Britain, while other sources said the UK had been pressured into allowing the US to sell the Mach 2.05 fighter jets.
The US forced Britain to allow the sale of F-16 fighter jets (pictured) to Argentina despite the UK’s ban on arms exports to the country since 1982
A row of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets during the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 21, 2024 in Fairford, England
Argentinian president Javier Milei has again reiterated the country’s claim to the islands
The revelations come as fears grow over the future of the Falkland Islands after President Trump this week hinted that he would help Argentina’s claim over the archipelago.
The move appears to be part of his drive to punish Nato countries for not helping him wage war on Iran.
The islands, which have a population of around 3,500 people, have been under British rule since 1833.
However they were invaded by military dictator Galtieri Castelli in April 1982 before then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher sanctioned British forces to reclaim the islands, defeating Argentina after two months of conflict in June the same year.
The war claimed the lives of 649 Argentinians, 255 Britons and three civilians killed by shelling.
In March 2013 the Falklands held a referendum over whether to retain their current political status as a British Overseas Territory, where 99.8 per cent of people voted ‘Yes’ to British rule.
However Argentina has continued to lay claim to the islands since its defeat in 1982, including since the decisive referendum 13 years ago.
Mr Milei, a close ally of Mr Trump, has again reiterated the country’s claim to the islands – but the threat has drawn outrage from across the UK’s political spectrum.
Royal Marine Peter Robinson carrying the Union Flag as he marches towards Stanley in the final hours of the Falklands War in June 1982
Pictured: A Sidewinder missile on a British Sea Harrier aircraft landing on HMS Fearless L10 during the Falklands War 1982
President Trump’s comments appear to be part of his drive to punish Nato countries for not helping him to wage war on Iran. He previously described Sir Keir Starmer as ‘no Winston Churchill’ over the Prime Minister’s position on the Middle Eastern conflict
Downing Street insisted the status of the Falklands ‘could not be clearer’, while Kemi Badenoch branded the suggestion ‘nonsense’ and the Lib Dems called for King Charles’s trip to the US next week to be called off.
Reports suggest the Pentagon will look again at Britain’s claim to the territory.
According to Reuters, an internal memo floated reassessing US diplomatic support for longstanding European ‘imperial possessions’ such as the Falklands, as well as kicking Spain out of Nato for refusing to ramp up defence spending.
British veterans of the 1982 conflict have criticised Mr Trump for his comments over the future of the South Atlantic archipelago, accusing him of being a ‘bully’.
Welsh Guardsman Simon Weston, who suffered severe burn injuries after the Sir Galahad landing ship was set on fire by Argentinian fighter jets, said the US President was a ‘schoolyard bully’ and warned that Argentina could use the policy shift to justify another invasion.
Mr Trump’s comments came after he previously described Sir Keir Starmer as ‘no Winston Churchill’ as Britain initially did not grant a request from the US to allow its aircraft to attack Iran from two British bases.
The UK later agreed to allow defensive missions aimed at protecting residents of the region, including British citizens, amid Iranian retaliation.
Mr Trump also insulted the Royal Navy, referring to its aircraft carriers as ‘toys’.
