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Sources said the British Overseas Territory had already become its \u201cfourth most pressing consideration\u201d after Gaza, Ukraine and China in the run up to Javier Milei\u2019s victory last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone on the Latin American desk will tell you they have been particularly busy,\u201d revealed a source. The chainsaw-wielding Milei \u2013 dubbed \u201cel loco\u201d by critics and supporters alike \u2013has tried to cite the return of Hong Kong to China as an historical precedent for Britain to \u201creturn\u201d the Falklands.<\/p>\n
His decision to double down on the claim even after his election victory has caused analysts to worry it is more than just a \u201cbombastic\u201d campaign strategy.<\/p>\n
While Milei advocates a diplomatic solution, he will soon have a new fleet of F-16 supersonic fighter jets which will give Argentina the ability to harass the islands for the first time in decades.<\/p>\n
The purchase also includes missiles with a range of 70 miles, allowing pilots to fly 400 miles to launch their missiles then fly back.<\/p>\n
The \u00a3700million deal to buy 20 F-16s from Denmark, a close ally of Britain, was sanctioned to prevent Beijing spreading its political influence and securing a military sales foothold in South America.<\/p>\n
Argentina has been investing in defence forces, taking delivery of a third ocean patrol vessel in a deal with France and buying new combat helicopters from Italy.<\/p>\n
While it is not likely to launch a full-scale invasion on the islands, the assets could be a \u201cthorn in Britain\u2019s side\u201d, said Prof Alessio Patalano of King\u2019s College London.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe Falklands remain a key issue in Buenos Aires. Even without an invasion, it is possible they will use these fighter jets in the same way Russia does, constantly flying close to British airspace.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Argentina’s new president presents ‘enhanced threat’ to Falklands, says expert<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn this way it can keep the debate alive, keep the pressure on and be a real thorn in Britain\u2019s side in the South Atlantic.\u201d<\/p>\n Milei has pledged to limit the size of the state and show a fiscal balance by the end of 2024. However, inflation is 143%, net central bank reserves are $10billion in the red and a recession is looming.<\/p>\n Sydney Stewart, of the Sibylline strategic risk group, said: \u201cMore than 40% of Argentines live below the poverty line.<\/p>\n \u201cTackling this is the real priority. The Falklands issue is one for the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n Britain has four Typhoon jets stationed in the South Atlantic. An MoD spokesman said: \u201cWe remain fully confident in the security of the Falkland Islands and the capability we have to defend them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n