An amazing photograph of the Falkland Islands taken from a Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet has captured the rugged beauty of the remote archipelago in the South Atlantic.
The image, which shows a panoramic view of a section of the islands coast and the surrounding sea, was taken by an RAF pilot during a routine flight at an altitude of 55,000ft above sea level.
The photo reveals the complex terrain and coastline of the Falklands, a British Overseas Territory with a population of around 3,500 people.
The islands, which lie about 300 miles (480 km) east of Argentina, are known for their rich wildlife, including penguins, seals, and albatrosses, as well as their history and culture.
The Royal Air Force maintains a detachment of personnel and equipment on the islands to provide air defence capabilities for the Falklands.
This typically includes a number of Typhoon fighters as well as other aircraft such as transports and helicopters. The primary reason for maintaining this presence is to deter potential threats to the Falklands, particularly from Argentina, which claims sovereignty over the islands.
The Falklands War in 1982 demonstrated the importance of air defence in protecting the islands, and the UK has since maintained a strong military presence to deter any further aggression.
So in 2014, my mate the Training WO for his unit, rang me and asked “What are you doing next week?” I said “Just work”, he replied “Fancy going down to the falklands on a Battlefield tour, We’ve had a drop out and I asked my boss if you can come along”. My reply: “Let me get back to you?” asked my Boss. He Ok’d it. Got back to Ian: “Yup thats a go, how much will it cost me?” He replied, “You have to give 3 presentations” We both laughed. Heres a photo of Stanley from the civy airport… Read more »
Goose Green:
https://i.postimg.cc/50kFRJ6j/2.jpg
The guy to the side of the black building was actually a L/Cpl in 2 Para, (come up through the ranks) and it was amazing to hear him relate to the battle from him. Something a book (or film) can never do.
Getting from A to B:
https://i.postimg.cc/FHMktvbB/P1010604.jpg
My mate Ian on top of B:
https://i.postimg.cc/15YJqgPV/P1010792.jpg
Spot the Herc:
https://i.postimg.cc/zXtHDKN6/P1010788.jpg
Love this stuff. Thanks for these.
great pics Farouk , thanks for posting.
Brought back some memories. I was SO2 J5/J7 for 6 months in 99/2000, my first purple job. Saw the millennium in down there, and brought my family down for the occasion.
Spotted!
We visited five years ago as part of a trip to Antarctica. My best man was killed when HMS Ardent sank in 1982 so it was a bit of a pilgrimage as well. Fabulous people.
Herk spotted! Interesting stuff, thank you.
Nice one Farouk. Fat Albert spotted. Heh heh, memories. 👍🙃🐳
Nice one Farouk, did you get any pictures of the woods outside of Stanley?
Did three tours down there and loved it. Anyone remember the Lot 22?
Davey B wrote:
No, we were billeted in MPA and only visited Stanley twice and the latter was for a last night group meal at the Malvina House Hotel (Yes the name is correct)
LOT22?
When 78 Sqn were at MPA, they had two bars. The Tiger lounge and the Lot 22. The Lot was sort of a disco run by the RAF.
Lovely pics Farouk, thanks.
Up at 55,000ft. That would have been a Tornado pilot’s wet dream 😆
Argentina would love this photo. Also, The British government has neglected air defense at home and for our army so drastically it’s hard to understate.
Jason,
in this day and age of Satellites, there isn’t any place on earth which cant be seen from above and with a credit card you can download anywhere you want. Also, the Argentines fly passenger jets carrying families of their fallen to visit the gravesite across the water from Darwin. Pretty sure quite few pictures were taken as they flew in. (As well as a debrief) In the following BBC video of one such visit in 2018, one mothers states this is the fifth time she has visited the Island.
Government? Negligence, in the same place surely not!!
I’d love to visit the Falklands one day just so bloody expensive
Ditto James. From here in South Africa I suppose one could fly from Capetown to somewhere in Chile and catch a connection to Mount Pleasant? I hear that the Ascension runway repair is almost complete so the UK-Ascension-MPA flight will be reinstated. An old friend did the sea Cruise some years ago which included Falklands and South Georgia/Antarctica. He died some years back so not sure of all the details but he said it was the best trip of his life and Stanley was pleasant and warm!
Hiya Geoff, how are tricks Squire!
Howsit Klonkie-hope you are well my china(says he in the vernacular)😂 All good here apart from the usual kak which you know all about! On subject I remember NZ was the only country that came to Britain’s aid immediately during the Falklands War when they dispatched a frigate to the Middle East to take the place of an RN ship thus freeing up this asset for use in the war. Kiwis are good peeps and the UK’s best friends. Hope you didn’t get klapped by the Earthquake! Finally I was at the Dusi finish yesterday and a formation of 4… Read more »
Hi Geoff -all good with me thanks. Luckily we missed any real cyclone damage in Auckland. Some rural ares have been flattened really bad. RNZN doing sterling work getting supplies in by ship to cut off costal communities along with the RNZAF choppering in supplies and water.
Bit disturbing the SANDF are now exercising with the Russians, a sad turn of events. I may be wrong but seem to recall the Grippens are still grounded? Stay well Mate.
We have a few Gripens that are now airworthy but now almost sure what we saw were in fact Hawks in a lighter livery than the UK’. 36 degrees here in Durbs today-feels like 40 with the humidity
The U.K could/should give the retiring T23’S to the nations of the commonwealth a couple of them to south Africa in return for bigger access to the facilities in Simon’s town. Could be a good idea
Stanley is pleasant and warm in the Austral summer. I remember watching the Boxing Day horse racing dressed in Tee shirt and shorts.
Thanks Graham. Would love to get there one day!
South Georgia is a breathtaking place to see, the old remains of the long gone whaling industry survives in many islets I was in grytvike after we in h.m.s Antrim had nailed the Argentinian submarine Santa fe the grave of Shackleton is there at the waters edge.
Hello Andy. What an amazing experience! I would love to visit South Georgia and the FI. Also, a wonderful coincidence that you served in HMS Antrim-Shackleton as you know, was an Ulsterman and much further down on the scale(!) my family were from Antrim and Down and I went to school as a small child in Whiteabbey Co. Antrim. Respect and admiration for your service. As to the Type 23’s donation to Commonwealth countries-that would be a fine gesture. Sadly, here in South Africa our current government has realigned itself more towards some non traditional partners in BRICS-somewhere in between… Read more »
True. Quite a few anglers go down there for a fishing holiday. Random fact!
You can catch monsters down there. Plus watch the orcas cruise past in the shallows. Never realized how big the buggers were until you’re standing on the beach not 10ft away.
There used too be a couple of lads from Cornwall that had a boat that was allowed to Dock at Mare harbour and their catch was Spider Crabs not a dish that us Brits would go for but the European Market couldn’t get enough Graham
Great dit! I was no fisherman but borrowed a mates rod and caught a red mullet in a stream – had it for supper!
The only thing I Caught in the Navy was Crabs 🦀 😩 Graham
😁😁 I got them in Malta many years ago.in the old naval parlance, everyone else had to shave off!!
The Gut then treated in St Angelo?
Plenty of things for wildlife buffs
Why?
I was there in 82, believe me, there’s nothing there that is worth the hassle to get there.
Someone told me once that the UK has to most powerful airforce in South America (because of the Falklands). I’m wondering what the nerds/experts think of this. From what I recall Colombia has the most powerful military in South America but they are significantly inferior to anything the UK has.
Geneticengineer Currently on paper the most powerful airforce in Latin American is actually Venezuela 22 x SU30s 20 x F16s But personally I feel that Chile: 46 x F16s has the best trained and most combat capable Airforce (Funny enough they have received 3x E-6 sentries from the Uk last year) Columbian soldiers are certinally well trained and in the jungles between itself and Venezula would give a very good account of themselves (The steak eating Bus Driver in chief of Venezuela has made it very clear he would like nothing more than go to war with Columbia) regards most… Read more »
Thanks u for the detailed response
Good. So long as it’s not the Chinese air force down there the world’s safe.
The Typhoon is of course the best aircraft in terms of capability but numbers only a Flight of 4 so wouldn’t really qualify as the most powerful AF
Regards
We don’t have scores of fighters there, rather a lesser number. I think someone might have been alluding to the quality of our pilots.
One bad curry could wipe out Falklands air cover!
Storm shadow will get a good range from that height.
Tranche 1 Typhoons in the Falklands so no Storm Shadow , interestingly 4 t1 typhoons will be kept to 2027 (rest March 25) presumably these are the 4 in the Falklands
Stunning! But to be fair to the pilots, they work so hard and take so long to be qualified then it’s the little things most of us never experience that they may be able to see and do! Would love to be a fighter pilot if I ever had my time again, alas I wouldn’t have the brains or the ability!!!!! Therefore i know my place in the food chain, and that place is to eat people!!!!!!! 😂👍!
I must watch the film.. Top Gun ‘Maverick’ My Bro! said it was a good film to view.
Think if I’m right saying.. The Falkland Island garrison numbers over 1,000 personnel with Typhoon jet’s and Sky sabre. Quite a potent defence force.
The war power they have is totally out of our league. We know it, and we understand that only with the heart, leaving life to recover them and immolate ourselves is not enough. The only thing we can do is peaceful resistance, waiting for windows of opportunity, defensive mistakes, global geopolitical changes,etc. only thing we can do is Stay pasive, and try to make them invest that £1,5bn /year on defence or if is posible make pasive pressure from the continent to sky rocket them to £5-10bn/year. It would be nice if they wore out or burn some in sometime… Read more »
You ain’t going to get that window of opportunity princess. If you try what’s left of your navy will go on a one way trip to visit Belgrano.
It only takes a small portion of uk military force to keep Argentina at bay.
We know, that’s why I say that they are clearly on another level. The only thing we can do is wait… the opportunities will present themselves, due to the simple fact that we are human and perfection does not exist, all the empires that at the time were global powers have had cycles or disappeared. Romans, Byzantines, Phoenicians, III Reich, USSR, etc. Argentina neglected defensively in 1833 when they evicted its inhabitants from Port Louis, and you did it in 1982… And it will happen again as soon as there is some window of opportunity or balance of forces like… Read more »
If we can find one
Well, that was a load of gobbledygook.
Sorry my friend. But I’d be more worried about your Government selling your Country’s debt to China. Especially as each successive Government has reneged on repayments. China plays hard ball when it comes to finances. Ask a number of African and Pacific Countries. The latest I’ve read coming out of Argentina is that it is being nicknamed Argenchina.
Argentina should give up on this fantasy, as the Falklands is a unicorn. Something you will never find or achieve.
China is an external investor in our country as the United Kingdom and the United States were at the time between 1850 and 1950. In fact, I highly respect Chinese businessmen and their cultural level. It’s admirable to talk to them when they come to do business. One point to highlight about China is that it is a power that has always respected the sovereignty of countries and has never done internal lobbying to destabilize them or influence their democracies. As if the United States has done it in all Latin American countries, getting into internal affairs and putting de… Read more »
Argentine citizen the U.K. does not want a conflict with Argentina. The people who live on falklands want to be part of the U.K. and as such it’s the U.K responsibility to defend there right. It would be the same if Argentinians had lived peacefully on a island a few hundred miles from the U.K. mainland. The U.K. would respect there wishes to remain part of Argentina and allow them to defend that island. It can’t be put any simpler. We humans in the world all need to get along peacefully. Argentina is massive with hundreds of islands for everyone… Read more »
Yes, but Argentina’s main reason for wanting the Falklands is that it gives them access to Antarctica and its untapped resources. Not to mention the Falklands resources. The Antarctic non resource exploratory treaty is up for renegotiation soon. Which is probably why China are giving money and influence to Argentina. It’s something our Government must keep an eye on!
2048 is not soon.
That may be true but I’ve no idea what kind of exploration for the ‘unproven’ untapped resources is actually going on the last I heard of it was that shell were put off on getting a full drilling platform down there and the anti pollution aspect was blocked everything that was wanted by multinational companies
Untapped resources and UNPROVEN RESOURCES
Nor do we want a conflict with the United Kingdom, a nation that, despite our only point of disagreement, has had good relations since our existence and we have much more in common than what divides us. We don’t have a conflict with the UK, that’s why there was never a declaration of war in 1982 between either party. Argentina simply considers the Malvian Islands an integral part of its territory under foreign occupation since in 1833 they expelled the inhabitants who lived peacefully there without respecting their human rights or their right to self-determination in a similar malign pattern… Read more »
It’s all like the Spanish and Gibraltar if the french wanted the. Channel Islands, it could be interesting
It’s more the concept of the Argentinians taking over the island too not a soul I ever met down there had even seen an Argentinian.
What the islanders fear, is change.
If there was a conflict of any kind nobody would get past our 4 fighters or the mighty OpV😞
Crime, is Russian, so Ukraine and NATO best be careful
And the entire donbass too! (jerson, donetsk, lughansk and zaporihia)
They made a freedom referendum where the 98% percibe theyr self as russian and want join russia federation
I’ve found your comments interesting.
A referendum, such as the one your mention, does not mean much after the population has been ethnically cleansed and much has fled.
The only democratic referendum in Ukraine was the Independence Referendum in 1991 when all areas, including Crimea, voted to be Ukraine independent of Russia, and those are the internationally recognised borders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Ukrainian_independence_referendum
Exactly, and that is what you did at falklands in 1833 when you expelled our people and put yours, and Voila!, referendum on 2013.
With the stupid criteria, what Russia does is valid… so if they hold a referendum, or 100 years go by and 98% of the population perceive themselves as Russian, it would be legitimate.
This does not work that way in international law.
The only valid referendums are those approved by the assembly of the united nations…
Not a fake referendum made by the United Kingdom, not a fake referendum made by Russia
With all the changes of government in Argentina, I’m surprised that you have time for referendums
Don’t even begin to believe anything that smacks of democracy in that part of the world.
The RN has an OPV and often there is a visiting frigate at Mare Harbour, plus it is rumoured that a SSN sometimes patrols in the South Atlantic. The army has a roulemont infantry company, AD detachment, and all the usual signals and CSS guys. Artillery and airfield Repair capability is available. The RAF has its Typhoons, tanker, SAR helicopter flight and the usual support guys, and they operate the airbridge (used to be 8 flights in a month). Think there is still a brace of Sikorskis operated by a contractor too. The Governor has the FIDF company under his… Read more »
Hi Graham.. Thanks very much for the details. Most appreciated.
An OPV? that shows how. much the place really is valued . Or not
Think they have always had an OPV – HMS Dumbarton Castle when I was there in 1999/2000. As I mentioned, a frigate visits periodically too.
If our Navy was twice the size it would surely have more than that.
Hi John. Just to add some more detail to Grahams reply regards assets on the FI. By service, as far as I know. – RN: Mere Harbour East Cove Military Port: 1 OPV HMS Forth. Army: Mount Pleasant Garrison: Resident Infantry Company. ( Roulement ) ? AD Battery RA ( Sky Sabre ) ( Roulement ) HQ British Forces SAI. ( Tri ) FI Support Unit. ( With RAF ) FI Joint Logistics Unit. ( With RAF ) Joint Services P&S Unit. ( With RAF ) Joint Services EOD Unit. ( With RAF ) JCU Falkland Islands. Mere Harbour: 460… Read more »
Hi Daniele.. Excellent detail. Thanks very much. I read recently that the Falkland Island Government are buying a new patrol vessel. ( Civilian manned) looks like a very handy piece of kit. Type is a ‘Daman Stan Patrol 5009 model’. Fisheries protection.
Thanks again guys for the return posts.
Nothing like giving intelligence away here? Anything else you want to give away?
Cobblers, Andy. I’ve learned all that through reading and learning open source data, be it in books or the internet.
I could indeed reveal things that are not open source…
And why are you commenting on an article that is over a year old! We are all in the 2024 FI article now.
Great answer. Small beer, but there used to be an LCVP at Mare Harbour when I was there in 1999/2000 – probably gone now.
Hi mate. So you’re back here too! Have you noticed the date of this article?
No, I hadn’t at first. It popped up in the Air section at the top of the list and I assumed it was new!!
I think due to that photo.
The biggest asset is the modern airfield, Mount Pleasant. If it came to it additional air defence and ground troops could arrive within hours. That ability to deploy rapidly is probably the biggest difference between now and 1982.
Yes, very good point you make.
In 1982, the failure of the commanders or priority given to getting the rapier battery’s ashore left bomb alley open to the ARA.
Keeping the penguins quiet😂
Well worth it, good boys own stuff. And the filming is fantastic.
I will definitely have a watch. ‘Movie night’ I do have a spare bag of salted sweet popcorn, so I’m all set. 😀🍿
Have a good Monday All !!!
Enjoy
Just remember it’s all Hollywood. The air cinematography however is brilliant.
Yeah, looking forward to watching the film. I’m a big Tom Cruise fan anyway.. ‘Mission Impossible films’ Great entertainment.
Yawn!
Do I take it you are not a mission impossible fan.. Oh Bless!
Well now let’s see. The problem with some US film makers is often ignoring fact and replacing it with silly nonsense. In the first M.I. film you have a helicopter chasing a French TGV into the Channel Tunnel. Firstly the TGV trains don’t travel through the Tunnel in everyday use. They have run engineering journeys in order to test gauging and other issues, but in order to do so rely on 25kv overhead power lines, (the catenary) which is why the trains have a pantograph. Unfortunately the directors seemed to miss all this infrastructure out, presumably running the trains on… Read more »
As DaveyB said. That’s Hollywood. Mission Impossible films are there for entertainment, which millions of people have enjoyed over the years.. Sure, not to be taken too seriously, it’s just good popcorn, have a good night out, entertainment. When it comes to the film – U571 and the enigma machine, yup, agree with you there. That was rather naughty by Hollywood. Many of these Hollywood action films are not to be taken too seriously. They are just there for people to have some fun and enjoy some fast paced action. There are also plenty drama, art type films so on… Read more »
Bit like a ordinary day at the house of commons
More of an eyes wide shut fan myself Nicole. Kidman in the raw lovely😜🐹🐹🐹
I thought ‘mavwrick’ was the worst thing I’d seen in many years.
You can get some really nasty diseases eating people…prion proteins are not to be messed with…
Nasty things live on cinema seats.
A mix of say 10 harriers and tornado would be ample to meet any challenges in that part of the world.
Im far from a expert clearly as i didnt even know we stationed typhoons down there.
Assume still sent from ascension? Big task for the tankers i guess but id imagine not as big as it was to send a few vulcans 40 years ago!
Big differences is the Voyager tanker. Back in 1982 they relied on Victor bombers converted to tankers which could carry 41,000kg of fuel. The Voyager is based on the Airbus A330. It can carry 111,000kg of fuel. This still leaves half the underfloor cargo hold available for cargo plus leaves the upper deck available for passengers. It could in theory use the whole of the cargo hold to carry fuel.
In standard trim it can fly from Ascension Island to the Falklands whilst carrying passengers/cargo and shepherd four Typhoons en route.
We have always had aircraft down there since 82 – first Phantoms, then Tornadoes, new Typhoons. They are permanantly stationed down there, so they do not come from Ascension.
That’s an absolutely cracking photo.
British, since 1765.
https://falklandstimeline.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/falkland-wars-1700-1850-second-edition.pdf
A good press release.
Look at it between the lines.
It lets people know the RAF can go and play up there and that they also have a missile fitted( ASRAAM) that can reach out above Typhoons ceiling height. Whats even better is its not ITAR restricted so doesnt need USA permission to sell it.
I wonder who would be in the market for that sort of capability? Someone who has balloon overflight issues perhaps…
I’m guessing from that height it will be able to down a Chinese balloon? 🎈
Is it true that one of those balloons shot down by a F-22 in the US airspace was a hobby balloon, I wonder?
Good spot. How’s the Turkey F-16 deal going, anyone know?
Awesome pic!
I remember it being said decades ago that no British Government would date to drastically cut the size of the forces in the Falklands whilst Mrs Thatcher was still alive. (So the cuts have been quite minor over the years).
I guess we will keep the numbers at their current level ‘forever and a day’.
Thanks for the memory, Farouk, haven’t been back since 87 five years anniversary only 1 in the Navy guard with a Campaign Medal and rosette felt old then looks like the goarse has grown though
Penguin are taller than in 82
Blame it on the tourist industry or a more chocolaty filling never did like the Para Penguins Blue or Green all the way
We visited Stanley on HMS Puma in 1968. It was freezing. The rule for wearing civvies ashore was jacket, shirt and tie. As it was so cold we all wore a sweater over our shirt. The Officer of the day inspected us prior to going ashore. He ordered us to remove our sweaters as they covered the tie!! There was only one pub in Stanley so we shivered our way there. As we warmed up with a few pints, the landlord announced that he was closing as we were too noisy!. The second worst run ashore in my experience. The… Read more »
In 197i I was 7!
At least China and Russia know how to form A Relationship, along with Many African States are now doing
Adequate? Isn’t that what they. Said in 1982? The F 16 in the hands of a quality pilot is still a formidable for