HMS Invincible: The Falklands War

The Falklands War was a significant conflict between Britain and Argentina over the disputed Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

Photo: Wikki Commons (Royal Navy)

In April 1982, tensions between the two countries reached a boiling point when Argentina invaded the British-owned Falkland Islands.

The British government, under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, responded quickly, sending a naval task force to retake the islands.

Thatcher faced intense pressure both domestically and internationally, as the conflict was risky and involved a remote military campaign.

However, her firm response and the successful military operation played a significant role in bolstering her political standing back home.

Thatcher ordered a fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft to regain control.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Thatcher said: We are here because, for the first time for many years, British sovereign territory has been invaded by a foreign power.

”After several days of rising tension in our relations with Argentina, that country's armed forces attacked the Falkland Islands yesterday and established military control of the islands.

”I am sure that the whole House will join me in condemning totally this unprovoked aggression by the Government of Argentina against British territory.

“I must tell the House that the Falkland Islands and their dependencies remain British territory. No aggression and no invasion can alter that simple fact.

”We are going to see this through, and we are going to win."

During the war, 255 British military personnel sadly lost their lives - this included soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

Approximately, 649 Argentine military personnel also lost their lives.

The intense battle lasted about 10 weeks, eventually ending on June 14, 1982, when Argentine forces surrendered.

It marked a victory for Britain.

At the heart of Britain’s military strategy was the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, a vessel that played a major role in the success of the British Task Force.

HMS Invincible was a Sea Harrier aircraft carrier commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1980.

Designed to be a smaller, more versatile vessel than traditional carriers, Invincible was part of a new class of ships intended to support Britain’s naval aviation with the ability to operate the revolutionary Sea Harrier aircraft.

These jets, capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing, were the perfect match for the Invincible class, as they didn’t require large, conventional runways to operate.

Unlike its predecessors, Invincible was relatively small and had a displacement of around 20,000 tons, making it more manoeuvrable in the crowded waters of the South Atlantic.

The carrier could carry up to 20 Sea Harriers, and it also had facilities for a small complement of helicopters, enhancing its capability for reconnaissance, troop transport, and anti-submarine warfare.

The Sea Harriers aboard the carrier were instrumental in achieving air superiority over the islands.

With Argentina’s Air Force deploying Mirage and Skyhawk jets, the Sea Harriers engaged in numerous dogfights, often at close range, and provided crucial support in both offensive and defensive operations.

On May 21, 1982, the British Task Force initiated a series of airstrikes and assaults on key Argentine positions.

Sea Harriers launched from Invincible and other British ships, attacking Argentine ships, airbases, and radar installations, while simultaneously defending against Argentine air attacks.

The Sea Harriers achieved remarkable success in the air during the Falklands War, with several notable kills, including the downing of Argentine fighter jets.

One of the most famous moments came when Lieutenant Commander Nigel "Sharkey" Ward, piloting a Sea Harrier, shot down three Argentine Navy Skyhawk bombers in one day, helping to ensure the safety of British naval vessels and troops.

These victories were crucial to the British success and made Invincible one of the most valuable assets in the conflict.

Following the end of the War in June 1982, HMS Invincible continued to serve in the Royal Navy for several decades.

The carrier underwent several updates and refits over the years, but its role as the UK’s primary aircraft carrier gradually diminished with the arrival of newer vessels, such as the HMS Ark Royal and HMS Queen Elizabeth.

In 2005, Invincible was decommissioned after 25 years of service.

If you’d like to learn more, we’d recommend a visit to the Falkands Museum, located in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands.

It offers a deep dive into the islands' history, culture, and the impact of key events, including the Falklands War.

The museum showcases various exhibits, including historical artefacts, photographs, and personal stories, and provides insight into the islands' rich heritage.

You can explore the museum's permanent exhibits, which cover the natural environment, the island's early settlement, and the military history tied to the Falklands conflict of 1982.

If you're planning a trip, it's a fascinating stop for anyone interested in history, particularly in terms of the Falklands' unique position in global history.

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