Falklands 85 – Phase 1: Task Force Arrival
This mission is an alternate-history scenario set in 1985. It explores a "what if" situation in which the Falklands conflict did not occur in 1982, and instead takes place several years later under different political and military conditions. The Royal Navy task force is intentionally reduced to reflect defence cuts, no exclusion zone has been established, and Argentine forces include capabilities such as a carrier group that were not fully realised historically.
This is my first scenario so please let me know if it is too difficult or too easy and any improvements I could make in the future.
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Operation Corporate – Phase I: Task Force Arrival
In early 1985, the Argentine Junta has launched a surprise invasion of the Falkland Islands, rapidly overwhelming the small British garrison and establishing control over the territory. Unlike the crisis that was avoided in 1982, the United Kingdom now faces this challenge after years of defence reductions, with a smaller and more constrained Royal Navy forced to respond at range.
Planned reductions to the fleet have already taken effect. HMS Hermes and Invincible have been decommissioned, leaving the task force reliant on a single operational carrier, HMS Illustrious. This significantly limits available air cover, sortie rates, and operational flexibility, placing greater pressure on both the air group and escorting ships.
Following a recent change in government, the new Prime Minister has elected not to impose a maritime exclusion zone around the islands. As a result, civilian vessels may still be present throughout the area of operations. All contacts must be identified carefully before engagement to avoid unintended escalation. Additionally, an initial proposal to conduct long-range strikes against Port Stanley airfield under a plan named Operation Black Buck was considered, but ultimately rejected by the current government due to the extreme distance involved and the requirement for multiple air-to-air refuelling operations.
A reduced British task force, centred on HMS Illustrious, has been dispatched to the South Atlantic to begin operations to retake the islands. With fewer escorts and limited resources, the task group must rely heavily on carrier aviation and early warning.
Intelligence
Argentine naval forces are actively manoeuvring in the region. A carrier-led task force has departed Buenos Aires and is assessed to be enroute to intercept British forces. Port Stanley airfield remains operational and is believed to be hosting strike aircraft capable of carrying Exocet anti-ship missiles, significantly increasing the threat to the task force.Two submarines are also believed to be operating around the islands. ARA San Juan is believed to be north-east of the area of operations, while ARA Salta is assessed to be patrolling to the south-west. Their exact positions remain unknown, and both submarines pose a significant threat. It is believed that a smaller taskforce is operating alongside ARA Salta with the intention of harrasing the British task force from their southern Flank. Their composition remains unknown.
Rules of engagement are fully authorised. All hostile contacts may be engaged at your discretion, but positive identification remains essential due to the presence of civilian vessels in the area.
Objectives
• Locate and destroy the Argentine carrier task force
• Destroy Port Stanley airfield
• Protect the task group and ensure all landing ships remain operational
• Detect and neutralise Argentine submarine threats
Required items:
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