Argentine Skyhawks in the Falklands War: Targeting the Task Force in the South Atlantic in 1982

“… the book is valuable and even essential. Its insights into the conflict, its unique Argentine perspective, and its focus on the role of the Skyhawk make it stand out in a field dominated by British narratives.” – The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation

Developed in the early 1950s for the US Navy and US Marine Corps, the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk first flew in June 1954. A compact, lightweight, and versatile aircraft for its time, it quickly found a strong export market. Argentina was the first foreign operator, eventually acquiring 130 A-4s.

In 1963, the Argentine Navy sought to replace its aging Vought F4U-5 Corsair and Grumman F9F-2 Panther. After studies, it was proposed that the Douglas AD-5 Skyraider would replace the Corsair and the A-4 Skyhawk would replace the Panther. However, negotiations with the United States proved difficult. In response to Argentina considering the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.Mk.1, the US approved the sale of A-4 Skyhawks to deter the UK deal. This led Argentina to purchase 165 A-4 Skyhawks—129 for the Air Force and thirty-six for the Navy.

The Skyhawks became the first jets to launch from a Latin American aircraft carrier. During the Falklands War in 1982, they achieved one of Argentina's greatest successes by sinking HMS Ardent, operating from the naval air station at Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego. Despite this success, the Skyhawks faced challenges, including being in poor condition due to a US arms embargo placed on Argentina in 1976.

Argentine Skyhawks in the Falklands War explores the training, preparation, and operations of the Skyhawks during the conflict. Operating from the aircraft carrier 25 de Mayo, these Skyhawks included interceptors armed with Sidewinder missiles and attack divisions with MK-82 bombs. The book focuses on key engagements, such as the Royal Navy's ships in San Carlos Water and the attack on Ardent in Falkland Sound. Featuring numerous first-hand accounts from Skyhawk pilots and lavish illustrations, this book provides unique insights into Argentine operations during the Falklands conflict.