ARGENTINA’S threats to take the Falkland Islands is “dangerous” and the UK must be prepared in the event of a “surprise attack”, a former Navy chief has warned.
During a fiery televised speech, Argentinian President Javier Milei insisted his country would reclaim the British territory while announcing sanctions on oil companies working off the islands.
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Officials have brushed off the astonishing claims as a bluff, emboldened by US President Donald Trump’s recent U-Turn of support for the UK.
But experts warn there are “sinister” motives behind the Argentinian leaders remarks.
Admiral Lord Alan West, who commanded HMS Ardent during the Falklands War, branded Milei’s claims as “extraordinary” and “outrageous”.
He told The Sun: “Veterans are very hurt – our friends and colleagues died so the Falklands were free. I lost 22 boys.
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“All of us fought so successfully to recover the islands – invaded by a country when it was not theirs.
“Sadly we have very painful memories.”
Britain and Argentina waged a brief but bitter war over the territory in 1982, in which 907 people were killed – 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British troops, and three civilians.
More than 40 years on, Milei’s rhetoric has reignited a furious battle over its sovereignty.
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Lord Admiral West said: “There is no doubt over the Falkland’s self determination – they’ve made it very clear. That’s why Milei’s remarks are so unbelievable.”
In a 2013 referendum, residents of the islands voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory – with 99.8 per cent voting in favour.
Lord Admiral West thwarted any speculation that Argentina could invade, citing its depleted military power, but warned Miliei’s words are “dangerous”.
He said: “Some nationalist extremists might look at these comments and think he supports their ideology and launch a terrorist attack.”
For now the UK must ramp up intelligence coverage of Argentina and make sure it is prepared, Lord West said.
He added: “The government needs to think through plans and options if things start to change.
“We’ve got to ensure there is no surprise attack that can take Mount Pleasant air field.”
The RAF Mount Pleasant base on the east of the Falklands islands, about 33 miles southwest of the capital, is home to more than 1,000 British military personnel.
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Lord Admiral West said: “This RAF base allows us to fly at relatively short notice with troops and weapons.
“If we lost that airfield then it would be a different ballgame.”
A Falkland official dismissed Milei’s rant as “nothing new”.
They told The Sun: “We have been dealing with this for years. Nothing has changed.
“Of course we are monitoring it, but we are perfectly confident in our relationship with the UK government and we have had assurances from them.”
Milei’s claim over the Falklands is more likely a strategic political bid ahead of Argentina’s elections next year, ex Nato war planner and UK intelligence officer Philip Ingram MBE said.
He told The Sun: “His popularity is flat-lining – it’s a standard tactic to try and stir up national fervor.
“But there are more sinister motivations at play.”
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Geological surveys suggest that the seas around the Falklands contain several potential large oil fields, including Sea Lion.
Test drilling suggests Sea Lion could contain more than double the annual output of the entire North Sea.
Philip said: “It wasn’t initially clear how much oil was in these reserves.
“We now know its some of the largest in the world and Milei is trying to manipulate a deal out of that.”
Early reports suggested about 791million barrels of oil could be recovered, but that was upped to 917million barrels last year.
Control of the oil field currently lies between an Israeli and a British firm – with none of the profits set to reach Argentina.
During his address to the nation, a furious Milei said: “If we do not act swiftly in a few months, they will have the material capacity to access the oil that lies underneath our sea. Something that has never happened before.
“That means that our national claim is facing a clear and present danger, and requires a proportional response. We will not allow it.”
With billions of pounds at stake, the Falklands could now become a “flash point” for a number of different countries, Philip said.
“But Argentina is not a player in that fight because they have no claim to the territory”, he added.
Milei’s announcement came just hours after Trump hinted he would not back the UK if Argentina invaded the archipelago, citing the lack of support in the war on Iran.
It follows a leak of an internal Pentagon email in April implying the US may review its position on the islands.
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The US has formally recognised the UK’s de facto administration of the islands but has not taken a formal position on sovereignty.
Referring to Trump’s latest stance, Milei said: “The US is considering this change of position because it knows that Argentina has a reliable partner, aligned with western values, in a strategically important position that can be a valuable ally in the decades to come.”
The UK is facing “multiple crises” that are “unlikely to be resolved” while “Argentina‘s future is flourishing and will prevail”, he added.
Furious British ministers have hit back, doubling down on Britain’s “unshakeable commitment to the Falklands”.
Defence Secretary West Streeting wrote on X: “Milei’s statement overnight tells us more about domestic politics in Argentina than it does about the Falkland Islands.
“The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British. Our commitment to the Falklands is absolute and unshakeable.”
Meanwhile Kemi Badenoch blasted Milei with a warning that “Britain does not surrender to bullies”.
She wrote on X: “If he wants a stronger Argentina, he should build its economy, not threaten others.
“But there’s also a lesson here for our sleepy Labour government. The madness of surrendering the Chagos Islands means other countries are now trying their luck.”
Andy Burnham is set to continue Sir Keir Starmer’s Chagos giveaway deal, the Government confirmed earlier this week.
The agreement, struck by Sir Keir last May, will cede sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius.
Britain will pay millions of pounds a year to rent back Diego Garcia island, which hosts a joint UK-US air base, in a deal Trump branded as “a great act of stupidity”.
Philip said: “Chagos undermined British security on the World Stage. It was disastrous.”
Burnham must now prepare for Milei to bring “significant legal action over the Falklands” – which will cost the British taxpayer billions of pounds.
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Philip said: “He is likely going to try and stir this up in the UN.
“And when he does Burnham will have to decide if we’re going to roll over and give it away like we did with Chagos, or set our own conditions.”