Argentina to send fighter jets to Ukraine, reviving Falklands legacy
Argentina aims to supply Ukraine with Super Étendard fighter-attack aircraft. Although these aircraft are decommissioned, they hold significant value for Ukraine due to their ability to be integrated with AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, which proved effective during the Falklands War.
8:14 AM EDT, June 13, 2024
According to the Argentine Infobae service, Argentine authorities have initiated efforts—coordinated with the United States and France—to transfer five Super Étendard aircraft to Ukraine.
This intricate initiative necessitates international cooperation due to the British embargo implemented during the Falklands War 1982.
Argentina retired the aircraft last year, and to make it operational again, tasks such as replenishing the pyrotechnic charges responsible for the ejection seats are required.
The aircraft are integrated with French precision weaponry and AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.
Super Étendard, the pillar of French naval aviation
The Dassault Super Étendard is a French carrier-based aircraft developed primarily as a fighter-attack machine. Designed in the 1960s to replace the Dassault Étendard, which had served in French naval aviation since the 1950s, the Super Étendard entered service in the late 1970s and underwent modernization to carry nuclear weapons, precision air-to-ground weapons (AS-30) and anti-ship missiles. France decommissioned them in 2016.
Dassault Super Étendard – technical specifications
The Super Étendard is 47 feet long with a wingspan of 31 feet. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is 26,455 pounds, with 4,630 pounds allocated for armament carried on six hardpoints. It is also armed with two fixed 30-mm DEFA cannons.
The Super Étendard can travel up to 1,118 miles and is extendable with additional fuel tanks or in-flight refueling. Its maximum speed slightly exceeds 745 mph, and its service ceiling is 45,000 feet.
Combat success of the Super Étendards
The Super Étendard achieved notable success during the Falklands War. Despite British superiority, Argentina's air force, equipped with these aircraft, seriously damaged the British navy.
Super Étendards managed to attack the British missile destroyer HMS Sheffield with AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Although only one of the two launched missiles hit the ship—and its warhead likely did not detonate—the impact energy and remaining rocket fuel were sufficient to damage HMS Sheffield severely.
Dozens of British sailors were killed or injured, and despite rescue efforts, the destroyer sank due to the ensuing fire. Similarly, Argentine Super Étendards sank the British transport ship Atlantic Conveyor.
