logo
Inside the secret military dialogue between Britain and Argentina

Inside the secret military dialogue between Britain and Argentina

Hindustan Times6 hours ago
America's top brass worries about the South Atlantic. It is a jumping-off point for Antarctica , where Russia and China boast 15 bases between them, scrambling to lock down resources . It is linked to the Pacific by the Strait of Magellan, the only safe maritime route between the two oceans other than the drought-hit Panama Canal . Traffic through the Strait is surging, as is illegal Chinese fishing on either side. China is pushing infrastructure projects across the region. America's top generals have visited Argentina's deep south three times in the last two years.
At first glance the United States is well positioned to manage any threat. President Javier Milei of Argentina is a hyper-willing ally. Britain has Typhoon fighter jets and the HMS Forth patrol vessel stationed in the Falkland Islands. But Argentina's armed forces are in bad shape. Britain's are focused on defending the Falklands (sovereignty over which Britain has and Argentina claims) from Argentina. As a legacy of the Falklands war, Britain has tight restrictions on weapons sales to Argentina. These have hamstrung the latter's efforts to improve its armed forces and pushed it towards buying Chinese planes and weaponry, alarming the United States.
Now a mix of factors, including Mr Milei's unusual perspective on the islands and American enthusiasm for Argentina's military modernisation, have created an openin
At first glance the United States is well positioned to manage any threat. President Javier Milei of Argentina is a hyper-willing ally.
g for a new strategic arrangement in the South Atlantic. Quietly, after a long hiatus, dialogue between the Argentine and British defence ministries has restarted. Argentina wants Britain to loosen its restrictions on arms purchases. Britain wants discreet acceptance of its role in the rest of the South Atlantic even while Argentina maintains its constitutional claim over the Falklands. Britain also wants Argentina to work with it on practical matters to improve life on the Falklands.
The warming began in February 2024, a few months after Mr Milei took office. British defence attachés visited the ministry of defence in Argentina for first time in three years. In September that year the British and Argentine foreign ministers met and arranged a visit by Argentines to the graves of family members on the Falklands. They also agreed to share fisheries data and to restart monthly direct flights to the Falklands from Argentina. Defence dialogue then ramped up. An Argentine delegation visited London in January. Next, a British one is expected to visit Buenos Aires.
Mr Milei wants to modernise his country's armed forces with the best NATO-compatible equipment. He is cutting government spending savagely, but raising the defence budget from 0.5% of GDP to 2% over the next seven years. Last year Argentina applied for NATO-partner status.
Britain is interested in a deal, too, but cautious. It shares the American concerns about the South Atlantic. Argentina's de facto acceptance of Britain's relevance in the region would facilitate closer co-operation on everything from science to security, not just with Argentina but also with its neighbours, Chile and Uruguay. But while the Argentine families visited in December, Argentina has not yet shared fishing data or restarted flights, stepping stones to progress on arms policy. The islanders are wary. 'We feel very secure,' says Leona Roberts of the Falklands' Executive Council, 'but we would probably not be wildly comfortable with the UK supplying military equipment to Argentina.'
Britain has long blocked sales of military equipment with British components to Argentina, even by third countries. Given the strength of Britain's arms industry this has been a serious constraint. In 2020 it blocked the sale of Korean fighter jets with some British parts. The stated policy is to block sales that could 'enhance Argentine military capability'. Yet there is wriggle room. Britain may allow sales that 'are not detrimental to the UK's defence and security interests'. A first step could be to interpret that clause more flexibly.
The shape of things to come
There are several reasons to believe a new arrangement is possible. Few consider Argentina a real threat to the Falklands. 'It's militarily unthinkable…[Britain] would wipe us off the planet,' says Alejandro Corbacho, a military historian at the University of CEMA in Buenos Aires. Britain seems more willing to reconsider its restrictions if Argentina planned to make large purchases, as that would boost Britain's defence industry. If so, that would suggest the embargo is more about politics than protecting the Falklands. Britain knows its restrictions are anyway losing bite as more countries make military kit.
That the United States wants a new arrangement matters too. In public statements it has offered 'steadfast' support for the modernisation of Argentina's armed forces. In private, one American with knowledge of the matter calls Argentina 'a huge partner' but says its military is 'in very sore need of equipment and training'. But that equipment must be Western, not Chinese. Britain's embargo makes that harder. Continued intransigence could end up bolstering those in a post-Milei government that believes Argentina's future, in weaponry and politics, runs through China rather than the West.
Argentina's dalliance with American adversaries is real. Mr Milei likes trading with the Asian giant. In 2023, before he took office, a Chinese firm looked set to build a large port near the Argentine entrance to the Strait. That project collapsed amid intense objections both foreign and domestic, but China, which operates a space station in Patagonia, remains keenly interested in the region. Under the last administration Argentina was 'gnat's-ass close to buying Chinese fighter aircraft', warns the American. In 2021, weeks before the invasion of Ukraine, the previous government signed a deal with the Russian ministry of defence allowing Argentine officers to travel to Russia for training.
During Joe Biden's presidency the United States pushed Britain to let Argentina buy modern F-16 fighter jets with a British-made ejector seat. Britain was reluctant and an alternative was found. Argentina bought older F-16s from Denmark with $40m of American money. These did not have British parts, so its approval was not required. However, the United States still sought to explain and justify it to Britain, which accepted it. That was progress. 'The US government was also interested in whether the broader export controls could be ended,' says a former American official. A spokesperson for the British government says it has 'no current plans to review the UK's export-control policy for Argentina'.
But it is easy to imagine Britain's position shifting. The Trump administration is pushy, ignores orthodoxy and is close to Mr Milei, whose pro-Western stance probably helps Britain to be flexible. His conciliatory tone and taboo-breaking on the Falklands is crucial. He openly admires Margaret Thatcher, who led Britain during the Falklands war. He admits that the islands 'are in the hands of the UK' and assures that Argentina will not try to retake them by force. Recently, he even seemed to imply that the islanders have a right to self-determination, Britain's position.
Domestic politics remain a formidable barrier in both countries. Argentina appointed a new foreign minister in October. Despite enthusiasm in other parts of government, better ties with Britain seem less of a priority for the new man. For its part, Britain worries about who comes after Mr Milei. Selling arms to a Milei-led Argentina may be okay, but he will leave office in 2027 or 2031. An attempt in 2016 to reset relations was torn up after the left-wing Peronists returned to power. It would be embarrassing to help Argentina modernise its armed forces only for that to happen again.
In both countries the flag-waving opposition could paint an agreement as a concession and use it to whip up anger. In Britain, Nigel Farage's Reform UK party is surging in the polls and could easily pressure the government over any new arrangement, framing it as a betrayal of the war dead, perhaps. In Argentina the Peronists have already attacked Mr Milei for his stance on the Falklands. With mid-term elections in October he and his team may prefer to steer clear of the issue for now.
Yet the overriding logic of Mr Milei's foreign policy is airtight alignment with the United States (notwithstanding trade with China). Britain has a similar, if less absolutist, tradition. The Trump administration is so exercised about Chinese influence in Latin America that it threatens to seize the Panama Canal. It is also clear about the threat in the South Atlantic. If it pushes harder its two allies may draw a similar conclusion—and act accordingly.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ram Mandir replica, Saryuwater among Modi's gifts
Ram Mandir replica, Saryuwater among Modi's gifts

Time of India

time27 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Ram Mandir replica, Saryuwater among Modi's gifts

New Delhi: Picking up from where he left off during his last visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent tour abroad presented his hosts with gifts that reflect India's deep cultural and spiritual roots, along with its handcrafted excellence, reports Manash Gohain. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From a 'silver replica of the Ayodhya Ram Temple' to a 'Kalash' (a sanctified vessel) containing sacred water from the River Sarayu, and from a 'silver lion mounted on a Fuchsite stone' to a 'Madhubani painting of the Sun,' Modi's gifts to the leaders of Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina this week went beyond diplomatic protocol to showcase India's rich heritage. The replica of the Ram Temple, handcrafted by artisans from UP, was presented to Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as a tribute to India's sacred architecture and the enduring legacy of Lord Ram. The finely detailed miniature, cast entirely in pure silver, symbolises dharma, devotion, and the intricate craftsmanship that defines temple art in India. Accompanying it was the Kalash filled with sacred water from the Sarayu, which flows through Ayodhya. In Hindu tradition, the Sarayu's waters are believed to absolve sins and bring peace and prosperity. The metal Kalash itself, often associated with abundance and sanctity, underscores India's age-old practice of invoking divine blessings through sacred rivers and ritual vessels. Argentine President Javier Milei received a hand-etched silver lion mounted on a Fuchsite stone base – a universal emblem of courage and leadership. Crafted by Rajasthani silversmiths known for their attention to detail, the piece is anchored on Fuchsite, often called the "stone of healing and resilience," which adds natural elegance while reflecting India's geological wealth and artisanal mastery. In Argentina, India's gifts also highlighted vibrant folk traditions and gemstone artistry. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vice President Victoria Eugenia Villarruel was presented with a Madhubani painting of the Sun, a vivid composition from Bihar's Mithila region. Traditionally painted on walls and floors during festivals, Madhubani art is renowned for its bold lines, natural colours, and intricate patterns that fill every inch of the canvas. The Sun, in this context, represents life, energy, and prosperity, making the gift both decorative and deeply symbolic. These carefully curated gifts, rooted in India's cultural narratives, offered a window into the country's spiritual ethos and diverse artistic heritage, turning diplomatic meetings into moments of cultural storytelling on the global stage.

'Far from reciprocal': Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea ahead of July 9 trade deadline
'Far from reciprocal': Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea ahead of July 9 trade deadline

New Indian Express

time28 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

'Far from reciprocal': Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea ahead of July 9 trade deadline

US President Donald Trump on Monday placed a 25% tax on goods imported from Japan and South Korea, citing persistent trade imbalances with the two crucial American allies in Asia. Trump provided notice of the tariffs to begin on August 1 by posting near-identically worded letters on Truth Social addressed to the Japanese and South Korean leaders, stating their trading relationships with Washington were "unfortunately, far from Reciprocal." Trump warned the countries, both key US allies in East Asia, of an escalation if they responded to the new US tariffs. But he also said he was ready to modify levies "downwards" if Japan and South Korea changed their trade policies. The US President has been talking for a while about ending trade negotiations and sending out letters informing countries about their tariff rates. On Friday, he told reporters that 'I signed some letters and they'll go out on Monday, probably 12.' (Two have been released so far.) The letters, issued on White House stationary, have Trump's typical flourishes and capitalization. 'We invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World, by far,' he wrote to the leaders of South Korea and Japan. He ends both of the letters by saying, 'Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Over the past week the administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before the Wednesday deadline. That furthers the uncertainty for businesses, consumers and America's trading partners, and questions remain about which countries will be notified, whether anything will change in the days ahead and whether Trump will once more push off imposing the rates. Trump and his top trade advisers say he could extend the time for dealmaking but they insist the administration is applying maximum pressure on other nations.

Dow Jones falls 500 points, Nasdaq, S&P 500 slip 1% as Trump slaps tariffs on Japan, South Korea
Dow Jones falls 500 points, Nasdaq, S&P 500 slip 1% as Trump slaps tariffs on Japan, South Korea

Time of India

time32 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Dow Jones falls 500 points, Nasdaq, S&P 500 slip 1% as Trump slaps tariffs on Japan, South Korea

Wall Street 's main indexes extended their fall on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose a 25% tariff on goods from Japan and South Korea, starting on Aug. 1, while Tesla shares dropped after CEO Elon Musk announced his political party ambitions. At 12:55 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones fell 533.75 points or 1.19% to 44,290.86, the S&P 500 declined 60.72 points or 0.97% to 6,215.29, and the Nasdaq dropped 210.57 points or 1.02% to 20,378.44. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Científica argentina revela hallazgos sobre el magnesio Salud Esencial Leer más Undo Electric vehicle maker Tesla fell 7% to a near one-month low and was on track for its worst day in over a month. Musk announced the formation of a U.S. political party named the "American Party", marking a new escalation in his feud with Trump. "Tesla investors are starting to vote their displeasure with him getting back into politics. The potential for him to start his own American party is just the exact opposite of what (they) want," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth. Live Events Meanwhile, investors turned cautious as they awaited a flurry of U.S. trade announcements expected within 48 hours, with a key deadline to finalize new pacts looming. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the country is on the cusp of several deals and would notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9. He added that those duties are set to take effect on August 1. In April, Trump unveiled a base tariff rate of 10% on most countries and additional duties ranging up to 50%. Subsequently, he delayed the effective date for all but 10% until July 9. The new date offers countries a three-week window for further negotiations. While the Nasdaq in April tumbled into bear market territory on tariff fears, both the index and the S&P 500 had just closed at record highs on Thursday after a robust jobs report. The Dow was about 1% away from an all-time high. Still, investors took to the sidelines, wary of shifting trade policies. Trump also threatened an extra 10% tariff on countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Ten of the eleven major S&P sectors were trading in the red, with consumer discretionary falling the most by 1.1%. Shares of WNS jumped 14.3% after the French IT services firm Capgemini agreed to buy the outsourcing firm for $3.3 billion in cash. Trump's inflation-causing tariff policies have further complicated the Fed's path to lower rates. As a result, minutes of its June meeting, scheduled for release on Wednesday, should offer more clues on the monetary policy outlook. Traders have fully priced out a July rate cut, with September odds at 64.4%, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool. Attention is also on a sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, passed by House Republicans after markets closed on Thursday, that is set to swell the national deficit by over $3 trillion in the next decade. Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 3.39-to-1 ratio on the NYSE, and by a 2.51-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 24 new 52-week highs and three new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 69 new highs and 32 new lows.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store