One thing I forgot to ask you
If Argentina decides to reconcile with UK, that would probably mean recognizing Falklands as British sovereign territory . How would Argentinian public take that decision (both those on left and right of political spectrum) . And if they do accept that, would not that be catch 22 for Argentinian airforce, something like: "We could obtain Gripen now but we don't need such an expensive plane cause we don't have open territorial disputes. Better spend money on something else. "
Second, concerning JF-17, you said you would want government with closer ties to US and other Western powers . Would such government want to buy license for production of what is essentially Sino-Pakistani plane with Russian engines ?
Those are two good questions Thunberchief, and there should be a clarification on my part (I’ll get to that). The majority of educated Argentines know that the chances of ever reclaiming any form of governance (full or shared) is out of the question with United Kingdom after the fiasco of a war. There is no military solution and there will never be one. The only way to come close to any sort of “joint custody”, or to be able to excerpt influence on the islands would be to have a strong and robust economy that would provide a better standard of living for the islanders. However, even with that it would be near impossible to sway any questionable number of inhabitants to vote other than the way they have voted. Also for Argentina to have a robust economy it would have to change its progressive socialist & trade union political agenda, which it will not do, since it would be political suicide.
Please see these post to get the history of the rivalry between Chile and Argentina and Britain:
http://www.sinodefenceforum.com/mil...n-nation-inter-rivalry-arms-buildup-6905.html
PART TWO: PAST CONFLICTS, post #3
PART THREE: Close Calls and the South Atlantic War, post #5
The main objective now is and should be the upcoming political negotiations that will begin over territorial rights to the Antarctic. Argentina territorial claim overlays that of Chile (a major nemesis to Argentina) and Great Britain (a supporter of Chile, and, well you know the rest). The only logical course of action is to apologies to England for the actions of the military junta (explain that it was a momentary lapse of common sense) and ask England to let bygones be bygones, after all they forgave the Germans.
Once the laurel leaf is extended and accepted then agreements regarding fishing mineral and petroleum resources can be negotiated. This type of behavior will be rewarded when the time comes to negotiate the overlapping Antarctic territories. If Argentina has a good track record (honoring and enforcing agreements) with England it will go a long way to avoid any conflict down the road.
Yes there would be disappointment in the nation over the relinquishment of the islands, but worse things have happened to the nation and people adjust and move on. Especially if the economy and standard of living increases.
If regards to the JF-17. Argentina needs a new combat aircraft (multirole) and in sufficient quantities to be a deterrent. 18 or 24 F-16s from the US will hardly be sufficient, especially against Chile 48 (soon to be 62 F-16s). The reason I said 18 to 24 F-16s is that it was the maximum number offered by the USA twice to Argentina in the late 1990’s by Bill Clinton. Of all the aircraft available to Argentina the only options are Chinese or Russian, I will explained:
1) JAS-39 Gripen, even though one can make peace with England I don’t think that they will agree to British equipment (Avionics/Radar, etc…), and they own an interest in Saab so that eliminates the JAS-39
2) The F-35 is completely unaffordable.
3) The SU-30 is a great aircraft but is unaffordable in large numbers to make a difference and the maintenance and operating expenses are high.
4) Mig-29 was rejected because it’s because of the problems in obtaining parts and that it cost around $5million US to operate each aircraft at around 300 hours per years.
5) The F-16 could not be supplies in sufficient numbers. The Chileans were concerned that Argentina could have an American Aircraft with BVR AMRAAM (funny since Chile has them).
6) The F-18 would be another great aircraft, but I don’t see the US providing them is any significant numbers (just like the F-16).
7) The Rafael was rejected because there would be no technology transfer and it’s too expensive.
8) Used J-10 could be an option, but would China sell them?
9) The Spanish Mirage F-1’s were rejected because of the airframe fatigue.
10) Mirage 2000, but nobody will sell them since they’re still useful.
11) That leaves the JF-17
I need a drink of Malbec after that….
