Argentina surrenders to Britain just after final A-4 airstrike
- On June 13, 1982, Argentine A-4 Skyhawks performed their last airstrike during the Falklands War.
- The target of the airstrike turned out to be the command headquarters of the British 3 Commando Brigade.
- Despite their attempts, the Argentine pilots' actions did not change the outcome, as Argentina surrendered the following day.
In Argentina, during the Falklands War in June 1982, the Argentine Air Force deployed a total of forty-eight A-4 Skyhawk aircraft. On June 13, 1982, just one day before the war's conclusion, a group of these Skyhawks from the 5th Fighter Group launched an airstrike targeting what they believed to be a concentration of British troops near Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. However, this target turned out to be the headquarters of the British 3 Commando Brigade. This mission was led by Tenente Luis Cervera after the initial commander, Capitan Zelaya, was forced to abort due to fuel issues. The A-4s were armed with Spanish-made bombs and managed to evade British combat air patrols but lost the element of surprise against the British forces. In the ensuing combat, two British helicopters were slightly damaged during the engagement, but the overall impact on the conflict was minimal. As the airstrike ended, the pilots inflicted minor damage on a Sea King helicopter, leading to an emergency landing. Despite their efforts, Argentina capitulated to the British forces the following day, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. The A-4 Skyhawks saw substantial losses throughout the war, accounting for over 45% of the Argentine fleet deployed. In the aftermath, the Argentine Air Force continued to operate a modified version of the Skyhawk, showcasing the lasting legacy of this aircraft beyond the Falklands War.