Editing Military of the Falkland Islands

{{Use British English|date=February 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = British Forces South Atlantic Islands
| image                         = British joint forces flag Falkland Islands.svg
| image_size                    = 150px
| caption                       = The British Joint Forces flag flown in the Falklands<ref>{{cite web | author = Flags of the World | title = Falkland Islands | url = http://fotw.vexillum.com/flags/fk.html | access-date = 23 September 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061016204320/http://fotw.vexillum.com/flags/fk.html | archive-date = 16 October 2006 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
| dates                         = 
| country                       = 
| allegiance                    = United Kingdom
| branch                        = Joint Service ([[Royal Navy]], [[British Army]], [[Royal Air Force]])
| type                          = 
| role                          = 
| size                          = c. 1,300 to 1,700 military and civilian personnel (as of 2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/falkland-islands-british-royal-navy-royal-air-force-british-army-b2100268.html|title=What is the British military presence in the Falkland Islands? |website=Independent |last=Jones |first=Henry |date=14 June 2022 |access-date=14 May 2023}}</ref>
| command_structure             = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| garrison                      = 
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = 
| colors                        = 
| colors_label                  = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = 
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = <!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] Dan Duff<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/mount-pleasant-complex/ | title=Mount Pleasant Complex }}</ref>
| commander1_label              = Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands
| commander2                    = 
| commander2_label              = 
| commander3                    = 
| commander3_label              = 
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = 
| identification_symbol_label   = 
| identification_symbol_2       = 
| identification_symbol_2_label = <!-- Aircraft -->
| aircraft_attack               = 
| aircraft_bomber               = 
| aircraft_electronic           = 
| aircraft_fighter              = [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]
| aircraft_interceptor          = 
| aircraft_patrol               = 
| aircraft_recon                = 
| aircraft_trainer              = 
| aircraft_transport            = [[Airbus A400M Atlas|Airbus A400M Atlas C1]], [[Voyager KC2]] & (civilian-crewed) [[Sikorsky S-92]], [[AgustaWestland AW189]] helicopters
}}

The '''[[Falkland Islands]]''' are a [[British overseas territory]] and, as such, rely on the United Kingdom for the guarantee of their security. The other British territories in the South Atlantic, [[South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands]], fall under the protection of '''British Forces South Atlantic Islands''' (BFSAI), formerly known as '''British Forces Falkland Islands''' (BFFI), which includes commitments from the [[British Army]], [[Royal Air Force]] and [[Royal Navy]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Permanent Joint Headquarters |title=British Forces South Atlantic Islands |url=http://www.northwood.mod.uk/pjobs/falklands/bfsai.htm |access-date=19 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513233933/http://www.northwood.mod.uk/pjobs/falklands/bfsai.htm |archive-date=13 May 2006 }}</ref> They are headed by the Commander, British Forces South Atlantic Islands (CBFSAI),<ref>{{cite web | author = Falkland Islands Information Portal | title = Acronyms | url = http://www.falklands.info/background/acro.html | access-date = 19 June 2006 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060619060025/http://www.falklands.info/background/acro.html | archive-date = 19 June 2006 }}</ref> a brigadier-equivalent appointment that rotates among all three services (Navy, British Army, and RAF).

Argentina invaded and took control of the Falklands on 2 April 1982. After recapturing the territory in June 1982, the UK invested heavily in the defence of the islands, the centrepiece of which was a new airfield at [[RAF Mount Pleasant]], {{convert|27|mi}} west of [[Stanley, Falkland Islands|Stanley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapcrow.info/Distance_between_London_UK_and_Port_Stanley_FK.html|title=Distance between London united kingdom and Port Stanley falkland islands (islas malvinas)|work=mapcrow.info|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref> The base was opened in 1985, and became fully operational in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|author=Falkland Islands Government |title=Defence |url=http://www.falklands.gov.fk/3.htm |access-date=19 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505083303/http://www.falklands.gov.fk/3.htm |archive-date=5 May 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Falkland Islands Defence Force==
{{Main|Falkland Islands Defence Force}}

The Falkland Islands maintains its own part-time volunteer force, the [[Falkland Islands Defence Force]] (FIDF), previously known as the Falkland Islands Volunteer Corps. Although this unit existed in 1982 as a reinforcement for the Governor's detachment of Royal Marines, it did not play any part in the main conflict during the war of 1982, its members having spent the duration of the hostilities under house arrest by the Argentines after their surrender on the Argentine capture of the islands.<ref>{{cite web|author=Falkland Islands Information Portal |title=Falkland Islands Defence Force: 150 years of Voluntary Service |url=http://www.falklands.info/history/histarticle24.html |access-date=19 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427094356/http://www.falklands.info/history/histarticle24.html |archive-date=27 April 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Land Forces of Britain, the Empire and Commonwealth |title=Falkland Islands Defence Force |url=http://www.regiments.org/regiments/atlantic/volmil/inf/fk-fidf.htm |access-date=19 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060527072808/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/atlantic/volmil/inf/fk-fidf.htm |archive-date=27 May 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Falkland Islands Rifle Association |title=History |url=http://www.horizon.co.fk/fira/history.htm |access-date=19 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213140103/http://www.horizon.co.fk/fira/history.htm |archive-date=13 December 2006 }}</ref> The FIDF is now a platoon to company-strength [[light infantry]] unit with a permanent training Warrant Officer seconded from the [[Royal Marines]]. The FIDF operates in a number of roles and is fully integrated into the defence scheme for the islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=
https://www.forces.net/operations/falklands/small-mighty-meet-40-strong-falklands-army|title=Small but mighty: Meet the 40-strong Falklands army|date=29 July 2022 |publisher=Forces.net|access-date=7 January 2023}}</ref>

FIDF soldiers can deploy aboard the Falklands Government Fisheries Protection vessel for sovereignty protection duties if the vessel requires an armed presence. As of 2023, the Falklands Government fisheries protection vessel is the FPV ''Lilibet'', which arrived in the islands in April and is tasked with policing the exclusive economic zone around the islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:7392366/mmsi:232045897/imo:9775414/vessel:LILIBET |title=LILIBET (Patrol Vessel) |website=Marine Traffic |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref> (Another vessel, MV ''Pharos'', is contracted by the Government of [[South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands]] (GSGSSI) for the purpose of sovereignty protection in its waters).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.mercopress.com/2023/12/19/south-georgia-ensures-environmental-protection-for-its-maritime-zone-until-2028 |title=South Georgia ensures environmental protection for its maritime zone until 2028 |website=Merco Press |date=19 December 2023 |access-date=15 August 2024}}</ref>

''Lilibet'' is named in honour of the late Queen [[Elizabeth II]], and has been chartered to the Falklands Government by Seagull Maritime Limited for fifteen years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2022/06/30/falklands-new-fisheries-patrol-vessel-name-lilibet-in-honor-of-queen-elizabeth|title=Falklands new fisheries patrol vessel name: "Lilibet" in honor of Queen Elizabeth|website=MercoPress}}</ref> Civilian-crewed, the vessel is a [[Damen Stan Patrol 5009|Damen Stan 5009 patrol ship]] with a maximum speed of up to {{convert|29.5|kn|lk=in}} and a crew of up to 28 persons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://products.damen.com/-/media/Products/Images/Clusters-groups/High-Speed-Crafts/Stan-Patrol-Vessel/Stan-Patrol-ii5009/Documents/Executive_Summary_Stan_Patrol_5009_Sea_Axe.pdf|title=Stan Patrol 5009|access-date=19 December 2022}}</ref> She has an endurance of 30 days, though sixty days of  provisions can be carried. If patrolling at 10 knots she can reportedly operate for 42 days with a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles. She is fitted for two [[Browning .50 caliber machine gun|Browning .50 caliber heavy machine gun]] mounts though she routinely deploys unarmed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.humanrightsatsea.org/news/new-falklands-fisheries-patrol-vessel-fpv-lilibet-impact-crime-and-abuse-sea|title=New Falklands Fisheries Patrol Vessel (FPV) LILIBET to Impact Crime and Abuse at Sea |website=Human Rights at Sea |date= 4 May 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Lilibet 18 - 27 Jul 23 (14).jpg|thumb|FPV Lilibet on patrol in the South Atlantic, July 2023]]

==Royal Navy==
[[File:HMS Dauntless-1.jpg|thumb|right|{{HMS|Dauntless|D33|6}}, a [[Type 45 destroyer|Type 45]] [[guided missile destroyer]].]]

RAF Mount Pleasant has its own port facility<ref>{{cite web|author=Falkland Islands Portal |title=Defence |url=http://www.falklandislands.com/government/defence.asp |access-date=19 June 2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20060426160418/http://www.falklandislands.com/government/defence.asp |archive-date=26 April 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> called [[Mare Harbour]], operated by [[Naval Party 2010]] (NP2010). The [[Royal Navy]] deploys a [[River-class patrol vessel#Batch 2|River-class offshore patrol vessel]], {{HMS|Forth|P222|6}}, in the south Atlantic and the ship is the principal naval presence permanently close to the islands.<ref>{{cite web|title=HMS Forth |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/surface-fleet/patrol/river-class/hms-forth |publisher=MoD |access-date=2020-01-07}}</ref> In addition, an Ice Patrol Ship, {{HMS|Protector|A173|6}}, is on station close to [[Antarctica]] during the regional summer months.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-hms-protector-the-royal-navys-antarctic-patrol-ship/ | title=In focus: HMS Protector – the Royal Navy's Antarctic patrol ship &#124; Navy Lookout | date=7 May 2019 }}</ref><ref>Michael Powell. [http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/HMS-Protector-will-be-Endurance.6685123.jp HMS Protector will be Endurance replacement.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115064016/http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/HMS-Protector-will-be-Endurance.6685123.jp |date=15 January 2011 }} The News. Portsmouth, 11 January 2011</ref>

Prior to 2015 a major warship and RFA vessel commonly carried out the [[Standing Royal Navy deployments|Atlantic Patrol Task (South)]] mission, which provides for "a maritime presence to protect the UK's interests in the region". The [[Type 42 destroyer]] {{HMS|Edinburgh|D97|6}} took over the South Atlantic Patrol Task in October 2006,<ref>{{cite web | author = MOD | title = HMS Edinburgh News | url = http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.1634 | access-date = 6 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061101081859/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.1634 |archive-date = 1 November 2006}}</ref> replacing {{HMS|Southampton|D90|6}}. Prior to ''Southampton''{{'}}s deployment in August 2005, the role was filled by {{HMS|Cardiff|D108|6}}, which was decommissioned on return to the UK. As of February 2010, the on-station warship was the Type 42 destroyer {{HMS|York|D98|6}}. In late April 2010, ''York'' was relieved by the [[Type 23 frigate]] {{HMS|Portland|F79|6}}. In August 2010, ''Portland'' was relieved by the Type 42 destroyer {{HMS|Gloucester|D96|6}}. On 21 April 2011, ''York'' returned to the [[East Cove Military Port]] in the Falkland Islands, beginning patrol duties for the islands.<ref name="NN">{{cite web |title=York knuckles down to Falklands mission – finally |url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1162-york-knuckles-down-to-falklands-mission-finally.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429183344/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1162-york-knuckles-down-to-falklands-mission-finally.aspx |archive-date=29 April 2011 |date=21 April 2011}}</ref> October 2011 saw the arrival of the Type 23 frigate {{HMS|Montrose|F236|6}}, generating a statement from UNASUR [[UNASUR|(Union of South American Nations)]]. The [[Type 45 destroyer|Type 45]] [[guided missile destroyer]] {{HMS|Dauntless|D33|6}} replaced ''Montrose'' as of April 2012.<!--I reworded as sentence originally said 'will replace'; > 2 years have passed, so it is pointless to continue using future tense. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to track down a source confirming this happened and have retained original reference--><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16810417 | publisher=BBC News | title=HMS Dauntless destroyer deployed to Falklands by navy | date=31 January 2012}}</ref> In the second half of 2013, {{HMS|Richmond|F239|6}} was deployed on the Royal Navy's south Atlantic patrol duty.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://en.mercopress.com/2013/12/29/falklands-historic-events-commemorated-by-atlantic-patrol-hms-richmond | publisher=Merco Press | title=Falklands historic events commemorated by Atlantic Patrol HMS Richmond | date=29 December 2013}}</ref> ''Portland'' was deployed in January 2014, followed by {{HMS|Lancaster|F229|6}} in 2015 and ''Portland'' again in late 2016/early 2017 on the return leg of a longer deployment to the Gulf and Indian Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/january/16/170116-ice-ice-navy-as-hms-portland-visits-south-georgia |title =Ice, ice Navy as HMS Portland visits South Georgia |website=Royal Navy | date= 16 January 2017 }}</ref> As of 2024, ''Portland''{{'}}s deployment was the last time a frigate deployed to the Falklands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/02/falkland-islands-royal-navy-warship-patrols-javier-milei/|title = Royal Navy scraps major warship patrols around the Falklands |work=The Telegraph |last=Diver |first=Tony | date=2 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/a-history-the-royal-navys-falkland-islands-patrol-vessels/|title = A history – the Royal Navy's Falkland Islands patrol vessels |work=Navy Lookout| date=November 2019 }}</ref>

[[File:HMS Ambush - 45154671.jpg|thumb|right|{{HMS|Ambush|S120|6}}, a {{sclass|Astute|submarine|0}} [[nuclear submarine]]]]

Since 2015, with the commitment to deploy a destroyer or frigate scaled back, HMS ''Forth'' has been the principal Royal Navy asset permanently in the south Atlantic having replaced {{HMS|Clyde|P257|6}} in 2020. HMS ''Forth'' is expected to be tasked to the south Atlantic mission for a decade or more.<ref>{{cite web|title=Falkands-bound Forth heralds new era for patrol ships |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/november/01/191101-hms-forth-replaces-clyde |publisher=MoD |access-date=2020-01-07}}</ref> HMS ''Clyde'' returned to Britain in late 2019 for decommissioning, after itself having relieved the {{sclass2|Castle|patrol vessel|1}}s {{HMS|Dumbarton Castle|P265|6}} and {{HMS|Leeds Castle|P258|6}} which maintained the patrol vessel commitment on rotation up to 2007.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Sailors and Royal Marines keep Britain safe over Christmas |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/december/20/191220-christmas-story |work=Royal Navy |date=20 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=HMS Clyde's last drive home for Christmas |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/december/20/191220-hms-clyde-homecoming |work=Royal Navy |date=20 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 }}</ref> {{HMS|Medway|P223|6}} temporarily replaced ''Forth'' in 2023 during her refit.<ref>{{cite news |title=Falklands patrol HMS Forth on maintenance; replaced by HMS Medway|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2023/02/04/falklands-patrol-hms-forth-on-maintenance-replaced-by-hms-medway |website=mercopress.com |date=4 February 2023 |agency=Merco Press|access-date=4 October 2023}}</ref>

The Royal Navy also has {{sclass|Astute|submarine|5}}-class [[nuclear submarine]]s that it can deploy to the area, though such deployments are classified and likely rare. In February 2012, a submarine of the former [[Trafalgar-class submarine|''Trafalgar''-class]] may have been deployed to the Falkland Islands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Navy 'sends submarine to Falklands' |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hmKxXSsvu0Lj6ajkylUPib6XMw1Q?docId=N0331191328347401513A |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207000029/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hmKxXSsvu0Lj6ajkylUPib6XMw1Q?docId=N0331191328347401513A |archive-date=7 February 2012 |date=5 February 2012}}</ref> The threat posed by submarines to hostile ships was demonstrated during the [[Falklands War]] when {{HMS|Conqueror|S48|6}} sank the Argentine cruiser {{ship|ARA|General Belgrano}}. The Royal Navy's current fleet submarines also carry [[Tomahawk (missile family)|BGM-109 Tomahawk]] [[cruise missile]]s, which have a range of {{convert|1500|mi}}.

==British Army==
[[File:Royal Artillery Sky Sabre system.jpg|thumb|right|[[CAMM (missile family)#Land|Sky Sabre]]: radar targeting system, command and control and missile launcher vehicles]]
The [[British Army]] maintains a garrison on the Falkland Islands based at Mount Pleasant. The force is made up of a [[roulement]] infantry company, an engineer squadron, a signals unit (part of the Joint Communications Unit – see below), a logistics group and supporting services.<ref>{{cite web |author=British Army |title=Deployments South Atlantic Islands |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/deployments/south-atlantic-islands/ |access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Forces Net |title=Everything you need to know about British forces in the Falklands |url=https://www.forces.net/news/everything-you-need-know-about-british-forces-falklands |date=14 June 2021}}</ref>

Ground-based air defence of RAF Mount Pleasant is provided by the [[16th Regiment Royal Artillery]] of the British Army's [[7th Air Defence Group]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/formations-divisions-brigades/3rd-united-kingdom-division/7th-air-defence-group/| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190804081946/https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/formations-divisions-brigades/3rd-united-kingdom-division/7th-air-defence-group/| archive-date = 2019-08-04| title = 7th Air Defence Group {{!}} The British Army}}</ref> Up until 2021, the detachment was equipped with the [[Rapier FSC]] surface-to-air missile system. Rapier has been replaced with the new [[Sky Sabre]] surface-to-air missile system incorporating an expanded capability.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/features/sky-sabre-inside-uks-missile-defence-system/|title = Sky Sabre: Inside the UK's missile defence system | date = 25 April 2018}}</ref> Sky Sabre achieved informal initial operating capability at RAF Mount Pleasant in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/sky-sabre-enters-uk-service-replacing-rapier |title=Sky Sabre enters UK service, replacing Rapier |work=Janes |date=28 January 2022 |access-date=28 February 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/696137/response/1824979/attach/3/20210701%20Goldberg%20FOI%20Sky%20Sabre.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1 |title=Letter from MoD to Mr. Marc Goldberg concerning status of Sky Sabre system |work=whatdotheyknow.com |date=1 July 2021 |access-date=28 February 2023 }}</ref> In the same month Rapier was fully withdrawn from service on the Falklands.<ref>British Army, ''Soldier Magazine for October 2021''.  Ministry of Defence, London.  Retrieved 4 November 2021.</ref>

The British Army contributed to the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal group in the Falkland Islands, providing 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) and [[Royal Logistic Corps|RLC]] [[Bomb disposal|EOD]] teams.<ref name="Royal Engineers">{{cite web|author=Royal Engineers |title=Joint Services Explosive Ordnance Disposal in the Falkland Islands |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/org/33regt/falklands.htm |access-date=19 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060611172855/http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/org/33regt/falklands.htm |archive-date=11 June 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was subsequently reduced to a team of 11 personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reahq.org.uk/uploads/files/docs/Management%20Committee%20Minutes/140210%20nj%20120th%20Man%20Meet%20Minutes%20Jan.pdf|title=Minutes|date=29 January 2014|publisher=The Royal Engineers Association|access-date=26 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085155/http://www.reahq.org.uk/uploads/files/docs/Management%20Committee%20Minutes/140210%20nj%20120th%20Man%20Meet%20Minutes%20Jan.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2020, it was announced that all remaining land mines had been cleared from the islands.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-falklands-arms-idINKBN27Q1DW | title=Landmines cleared from Falkland Islands 38 years after conflict | newspaper=Reuters | date=10 November 2020 }}</ref>

Main article: [[Land mines in the Falkland Islands]]

==Royal Air Force==
[[File:Typhoon f2 zj910 arp.jpg|thumb|right|[[Eurofighter Typhoon]]]]
[[File:RAF A330 Voyager ZZ335, Brize Norton 17th March 2016 (25365262923).jpg|thumb|right|[[Voyager KC2]]]]
[[File:A400M - RIAT 2013 (9360601998).jpg|thumb|right|[[A400M]]]]

Royal Air Force elements in the Falklands are under the command of [[Expeditionary Air Wing#British Forces South Atlantic Islands|No. 905 Expeditionary Air Wing]] which, as of 2023, consists of two flights: [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Typhoon]] multi-role fighters of [[No. 1435 Flight RAF]] and [[Airbus A330 MRTT|Voyager KC.2]]/[[Airbus A400M Atlas|A400M Atlas]] aircraft of [[No. 1312 Flight RAF]].

[[RAF Mount Pleasant]] was built in 1985–86, able to accept large trans-Atlantic aircraft such as the [[Lockheed TriStar]].<ref name=RUDLB>{{cite journal|author=Major General P. E. de la C. de la Billiere CBE DSO MC|title=The Falkland Islands: The strategic and military aspects|journal=The RUSI Journal|volume=131|number=1|date=1986|pages=13–16|doi=10.1080/03071848608522785|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03071848608522785}}</ref> The TriStar was initially purchased mainly for the UK-Falklands route; until their entry into service, the UK used leased [[Boeing 747|747s]] and [[Boeing 767|767s]].<ref>{{cite web | author = Royal Air Force | title = Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands | url = http://www.raf.mod.uk/stations/os_base.html | access-date = 19 June 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060620142422/http://www.raf.mod.uk/stations/os_base.html | archive-date = 20 June 2006 | url-status = dead }}</ref> As of early 2023, all major RAF transport aircraft are able to fly into RAF Mount Pleasant, as may be required. Utilizing [[RAF Ascension Island]], a station which reports to the Commander BFSAI, these aircraft maintain direct air links between the U.K. and the Falklands.

Four Tranche 1 Typhoon fighter aircraft of No. 1435 Flight RAF provide air defence for the islands and surrounding territories.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/what-uk-military-forces-are-based-at-the-falkland-islands/|title=What UK military forces are based at the Falkland Islands? |work=Air Force Technology |date=29 March 2024}}</ref>

Originally [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed Hercules C.1K]] were used for air-to-air refuelling missions, but these were later replaced by a VC10. On 31 August 2013 the VC10 was temporarily replaced by a [[Lockheed TriStar (RAF)|TriStar K.1]], which was itself replaced by a Voyager KC.2 in March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroresource.co.uk/operational-reports/raf-tristar-retirement/|title=RAF TriStar Retirement |first=Mike |last=Buckle |website=Aeroresource |date=24 March 2014}}</ref> The Voyager is deployed in the islands for air refueling operations but is unable to fit within a hangar at RAF Mount Pleasant due to its size.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2013-11-28b.177248.h&s=Mount+Pleasant+Voyager#g177248.q0|title=Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft|work=theyworkforyou.com|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>

Initially, a C-130 Hercules was used for transport, search and rescue and maritime patrol until replaced with an A400M Atlas aircraft in April 2018. The aircraft is used for both regional operations, as well as for providing support for the [[British Antarctic Survey]]. In August 2022, an RAF A400M aircraft flying from RAF Ascension Island was refueled for the first time by a Voyager KC.2 aircraft flying out of RAF Mount Pleasant.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/raf-atlas-c1-aircraft-refuelled-over-south-atlantic-for-first-time/|work=Aviation Source|date=1 August 2022|title=RAF Atlas C1 aircraft refuelled over South Atlantic for first time|first=Len|last=Varley|access-date=25 December 2022|archive-date=25 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225202602/https://aviationsourcenews.com/news/raf-atlas-c1-aircraft-refuelled-over-south-atlantic-for-first-time/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2023, an RAF A400M Atlas supported by a Voyager tanker aircraft, dropped the first of 300 fuel drums as part of a tasking to resupply the [[Sky Blu (Antarctica)|Sky Blu]] facility of the British Antarctic Survey.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-conduct-antarctic-resupply-mission/|work=UK Defence Journal|date=1 February 2023|title=RAF conduct Antarctic resupply mission|first=George |last=Allison}}</ref>

For a lengthy period, the [[helicopter]]s of [[No. 1564 Flight RAF|No. 1564 Flight]] (formerly [[No. 78 Squadron RAF|No. 78 Squadron]]) provided tactial air transport support. The [[Westland Sea King|Sea Kings]] carried out short and medium range [[search and rescue]] missions, until their retirement. [[AAR Corp]] was awarded a contract for helicopter search and rescue services in the Falkland Islands to replace 1564 Flight, using [[AgustaWestland AW189]] helicopters in the role from 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarcorp.com/aar-awarded-10-year-search--rescue-contract-in-the-falkland-islands-by-uk-mod/|title=AAR Awarded 10-Year Search & Rescue Contract in the Falkland Islands by UK MOD – General News – News – AAR Corporate|work=aarcorp.com|access-date=26 September 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927224616/http://www.aarcorp.com/aar-awarded-10-year-search--rescue-contract-in-the-falkland-islands-by-uk-mod/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2015, the UK announced that a pair of Chinooks would be stationed in the Falklands again, the first of which started flying in June 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32031342|title=Britain to boost Falklands Islands defences|publisher=BBC News|date=24 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/61986/uk-returning-chinooks-to-falkland-islands|title = Janes &#124; Latest defence and security news}}</ref> 1564 Flight disbanded in March 2016<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://forces.tv/33996444 |title=Falkland Islanders Say Farewell to the Sea King &#124; Forces TV |access-date=3 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404043027/http://forces.tv/33996444 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> being subsequently replaced by the Chinooks of [[No. 1310 Flight RAF|No. 1310 Flight]].

These military helicopters only remained on the islands for a short period and, as of 2022, Chinooks are no longer based in the Falklands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/mount-pleasant-complex/ |title=Royal Air Force }}</ref> In lieu of this military capability, the firms [[AAR Corp]] and [[British International Helicopters]] (part of [[Bristow Helicopters]]), jointly provide two AW189s (in the Search and Rescue role) and two Sikorsky S92A helicopters (in the support role) from RAF Mount Pleasant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://britishinternationalhelicopters.com/services/military |title=Military Contracts &#124; British International Helicopters |access-date=14 October 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014150622/https://britishinternationalhelicopters.com/services/military |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.helis.com/database/news/aw189_bfsai/ |title=AW189 Starts SAR for UK MoD in South Atlantic |website=helis.com |date=1 April 2016 |accessdate=8 July 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bristowgroup.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/515/bristow-completes-acquisition-of-british-international |title=Bristow Completes Acquisition of British International Helicopter Services Limited |website=Bristow |date=3 August 2022 |accessdate=8 July 2023 }}</ref> The latter helicopter replaced the formerly used [[Sikorsky S-61|S61N helicopter]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.mercopress.com/2023/07/08/new-sikorsky-bristow-helicopter-unloaded-at-falklands-mpa |title=New Sikorsky Bristow helicopter unloaded at Falklands' MPA |website=Merco Press |date=8 July 2023 |accessdate=9 July 2023 }}</ref>

There were initially two air defence radar units, both located on [[West Falkland]]; No. 7 Signals Unit at [[Byron Heights]] and No. 751 Signals Unit at [[Mount Alice (Falkland Islands)|Mount Alice]].<ref name=Gledhill>{{cite book|author=David Gledhill|title=Fighters over the Falklands: Defending the Islanders' Way of Life|publisher=Fonthill Media|date=2014 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jaQsAwAAQBAJ&q=%227+Signals+Unit%22&pg=PP186}}</ref> Byron Heights and Mount Alice were later augmented by a further radar installation on [[Mount Kent]], designated No. 303 Signals Unit. No. 7 Signals Unit and No. 751 Signals Unit were eventually disbanded and all three radar installations were reduced to [[Remote Radar Head]]s under the control of No. 303 Signals Unit who moved into a purpose-built operations building at Mount Pleasant Complex to form the [[Control and Reporting Centre]].  The building was officially opened on 4 October 1998 by [[Air chief marshal|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Richard Johns|Sir Richard Johns]], then [[Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the Air Staff]].

===Organisation===
[[File:S92 G-IACF IMG 7005 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Sikorsky S-92|Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-92]]]]
[[File:AW189 - Lydd Airport (centered).jpg|thumb|right|[[AgustaWestland AW189]]]]
*[[Expeditionary Air Wing#British Forces South Atlantic Islands|No. 905 Expeditionary Air Wing]]
**[[No. 1435 Flight RAF|No. 1435 Flight]]{{spaced ndash}}4 [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]s
**[[No. 1312 Flight RAF|No. 1312 Flight]]{{spaced ndash}}1 [[Airbus A330 MRTT|Voyager]] KC2,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-03-26/raf-retires-tristar-tankers-voyager-fleet-grows|title=RAF Retires TriStar Tankers As Voyager Fleet Grows|work=Aviation International News|access-date=26 September 2015|archive-date=9 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409074210/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-03-26/raf-retires-tristar-tankers-voyager-fleet-grows|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1 [[Airbus A400M Atlas]]<ref>{{cite tweet|number=978991266141581312|user=FalklandsinUK|title=Touchdown! An #A400M arrives in the...|date=28 March 2018}}</ref>
* [[Bristow Helicopters]]/[[AAR Corp]] civilian-crewed aircraft
** 2 x [[Sikorsky S-92]]A (support role)
** 2 x [[AgustaWestland AW189]] (SAR role)

==Joint Service==
The Joint Communications Unit Falkland Islands (JCUFI) provides the [[electronic warfare]] and command and control systems for the [[Royal Navy]], Army and [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] stationed there. It incorporates the Army's signals unit and RAF personnel.<ref>{{cite web|author=Royal Corps of Signals |title=Falkland Islands |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/royalsignals/jcufi/ |access-date=19 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050329091904/http://www.army.mod.uk/royalsignals/jcufi/ |archive-date=29 March 2005 }}</ref> 

==Commanders==
The following have served as Commander British Forces Falkland Islands/South Atlantic Islands:
*[[Major General]] Sir David Thorne, CBFFI (1982–1983)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46">{{cite web|url=https://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Ministry%20of%20Defence%20Senior%20Posts.pdf|title=Ministry of Defence Senior Posts|access-date=4 September 2020|page=46}}</ref>
*[[Major General]] Keith Spacie, CBFFI (1983–1984)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Major General]] [[Peter de la Billière]], CBFFI (1984–1985)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britains-smallwars.com/gulf/Billiere.html|title=Britain's Small Wars|work=britains-smallwars.com|access-date=26 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829042711/http://britains-smallwars.com/gulf/Billiere.html|archive-date=29 August 2014}}</ref> (left post by 20 November 1985<ref name=RUDLB/>)
*[[Air Marshal]] [[John Kemball|Sir John Kemball]], CBFFI (1985–1986)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE1DB113CF935A25755C0A960948260 | work=The New York Times | title=AROUND THE WORLD; Falkland Islands Mark 4th Anniversary of War | date=16 June 1986}}</ref>
*[[Rear Admiral]] Christopher Layman, CBFFI (1986–1987)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Major General]] Anthony Carlier (1987–1988)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Air Vice Marshal]] David Crwys-Williams (1988–1989)<ref>http://www.bff.org.uk/about_us_trustees/about_us_trustees-David-Crwys-Williams-CB.cfm {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
*[[Major General]] [[Paul Stevenson (Royal Marines)|Paul Stevenson]] (1989–1990)<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Falkland Islands Newsletter |date=September 1989 |title=The New Commander British Forces Falkland Islands |url=https://www.fiassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FIA-NL-40.pdf#page=12 |page=12 |access-date=15 October 2024 }}</ref>
*[[Major General]] Malcolm Hunt (1990–1991)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Air Vice Marshal]] [[Peter Beer (RAF officer)|Peter Beer]] (1991–1992)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Rear Admiral]] Neil Rankin (1992–1993)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Major General]] Iain Mackay-Dick (1993–1994)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Air Commodore]] Peter Johnson (1994–1995)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Commodore (Royal Navy)|Commodore]] Alexander Backus (1995–1996)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Brigadier]] Iain Campbell (1996–1998)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Air Commodore]] Raymond Dixon (1998–1999)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Brigadier]] David Nicholls (1999–2000)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1524505/Brigadier-David-Nicholls.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|title=Brigadier David Nicholls|date=22 July 2006|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>
*[[Brigadier]] Geoff Sheldon (2000–2001)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.falklands.gov.fk/focus/69-3.htm |title= Falkland Islands Government|website=www.falklands.gov.fk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821155011/http://www.falklands.gov.fk/focus/69-3.htm |archive-date=21 August 2008}}</ref>
*[[Air Vice Marshal]] John Cliffe (2001–2002)<ref name="Gulabin MoD Senior Posts p46"/>
*[[Vice Admiral]] [[Richard Ibbotson|Sir Richard Ibbotson]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web |title=Armed Forces Minister to represent British Government at Commemoration in June 2002 |url=http://www.falklands.gov.fk/media/armed-forces-minister-to-be-at-commemoration-in-june-2002.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207221902/http://www.falklands.gov.fk/media/armed-forces-minister-to-be-at-commemoration-in-june-2002.htm |archive-date=7 February 2012 |date=8 February 2002}}</ref>
*[[Brigadier]] [[James Gordon (British Army officer, born 1957)|James Gordon]] (2002–2003)
*[[Air Vice Marshal]] [[Richard Lacey]] (2003–2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sartma.com/art_1057_11_239_2.html|title=Chilean General Did Everything to Help the British Win in 1982 - Falkland Islands News|work=sartma.com|access-date=26 September 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927210524/http://sartma.com/art_1057_11_239_2.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Rear Admiral]] Ian Moncrieff (2005–2006)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sartma.com/artd_3042_06_2006_39.html|title=Chilean General Did Everything to Help the British Win in 1982 – Falkland Islands News|work=sartma.com|access-date=26 September 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927202613/http://sartma.com/artd_3042_06_2006_39.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mercopress.com/2005/06/03/penguin-news-update|title=Penguin News Update.|work=MercoPress|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>
*[[Brigadier]] Nick Davies (2006–2008)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/LiberationDayInStanleyMarkedByParadeAndWreathLayingvideo.htm |title= |website=www.mod.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218220103/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/LiberationDayInStanleyMarkedByParadeAndWreathLayingvideo.htm |archive-date=18 February 2012}}</ref>
*[[Air Commodore]] [[Gordon Moulds]] (2008–2009)
*[[Commodore (Royal Navy)|Commodore]] Philip Thicknesse (2009–2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mercopress.com/2009/12/14/falklands-veteran-commander-of-british-forces-south-atlantic-islands|title=Falklands' veteran, Commander of British Forces South Atlantic Islands|work=MercoPress|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>
*[[Brigadier]] William Aldridge (2011–2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mercopress.com/2011/05/30/new-falklands-british-forces-commander-played-key-role-in-uk-2009-floods-rescue-operations|title=New Falklands' British Forces commander played key role in UK 2009 floods' rescue operations|work=MercoPress|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>
*[[Air Commodore]] [[Russell La Forte]] (2013–2015)
*[[Commodore (Royal Navy)|Commodore]] Darren Bone (2015–2017)
*[[Brigadier]] Baz Bennett (2017–2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.mercopress.com/2017/04/14/falklands-new-cbfsai-brg-bennett|title = Falklands: New CBFSAI BRG Bennett}}</ref>
*[[Brigadier]] Nick Sawyer (2018–2020)<ref>{{cite news |title=Brigadier Nick Sawyer, new Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2018/12/07/brigadier-nick-sawyer-new-commander-british-forces-south-atlantic-islands |access-date=28 December 2018 |work=MercoPress |date=7 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Commodore (Royal Navy)|Commodore]] Jonathan Lett (2020–2023)<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Royal Navy commodore new Commander of BFSAI at MPC in Falklands |url=https://en.mercopress.com/2020/11/20/royal-navy-commodore-new-commander-of-bfsai-at-mpc-in-falklands |work=MercoPress |date=20 November 2020 |access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref>
* Brigadier Dan Duff (2023- )<ref>{{cite web |title=Mount Pleasant Complex |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/mount-pleasant-complex/ |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=Royal Air Force  |language=en}}</ref>
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==British Forces South Atlantic Islands installations==

{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" 
|-
!  Name
!  Region
!  Opened
! style="class="unsortable" | Description<!-- Regiments & above only -->
|-
|| [[RAF Mount Pleasant|Mount Pleasant Complex]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/OverseasPosting/BFSAI/|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/OverseasPosting/BFSAI/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2012|title=Ministry of Defence – Defence For... – The Service Community – Overseas Posting – British Forces South Atlantic Islands – British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI)|access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> || [[East Falkland]] || 1985 || HQ for British Force South Atlantic Islands with approximately 1000 Joint Service personnel permanently deployed. 
|-
|| Falklands Defence Force HQ, Stanley<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fig.gov.fk/fidf/|title=Home – FIDF|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005805/http://www.fig.gov.fk/fidf/|url-status=dead}}</ref> || [[East Falkland]] ||  || 
|-
|| [[Mare Harbour]] || [[East Falkland]] ||  || Military port for RAF Mount Pleasant; facility for Royal Navy ships in the South Atlantic
|-
|| RRH [[Mount Alice (Falkland Islands)|Mount Alice]] || [[West Falkland]] || || One of two early-warning and airspace control radar sites on West Falkland.
|-
|| RRH [[Byron Heights]] || [[West Falkland]] || || One of two early-warning and airspace control radar sites on West Falkland.
|-
|| RRH [[Mount Kent]] || [[East Falkland]] || || An early-warning and airspace control radar site on East Falkland.
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[List of British Army installations]]
* [[Argentine Armed Forces]]

==Sources==
{{Reflist}}

{{Falkland Islands topics}}
{{SGSSI}}
{{Military of South America}}
{{British Forces deployments}}
{{Americas topic|Military of}}

[[Category:Military of the Falkland Islands| ]]
[[Category:Military of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands]]
[[Category:British Armed Forces deployments]]
[[Category:Joint commands of the United Kingdom]]