The United Kingdom plans to gradually withdraw its troops from the Malvina Islands Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1, the oldest variant installed in the archipelago, as a Rapid Reaction force.

And although the exact date for fleet replacement for the islands is unknown, it is estimated that the Royal Air Force (RAF) could keep the Typhoons there until around 2027 and then replace them with a more modern platform.

The Replacements for the Eurofighter Typhoon

The future of the British fighter fleet is based on two main platforms which, although different, aim to dramatically increase air superiority compared to 4th generation aircraft ( such as the Argentine F-16 ).

This is the immediate replacement and is currently in active service for the United Kingdom, operating from its aircraft carriers and land bases.

2. The 6th Generation Program: Tempest (GCAP)

This is the long-term project that seeks to replace the rest of the Typhoon fleet and, potentially, the F-35 by 2035 .

Although the Tempest will not enter service until 2035, the development of its technology ensures that the United Kingdom will remain at the forefront .

Consequences for militarization in the Malvinas

The UK's decision to migrate its defense forces to 5th and 6th generation platforms (F-35 and Tempest) underlines a clear geopolitical principle:

1.    Increased Asymmetry: Replacing the Typhoons with aircraft like the F-35 in the Malvinas (or the mere threat of their deployment) would further increase the technological and deterrent gap between British forces and the capabilities that Argentina is reincorporating with the F-16.

2.    Emphasis on Surveillance: In parallel, the UK has been investing in more modern Air Command and Control (C2) systems, such as the Sky Sabre air defense system and upgraded radars to provide a comprehensive view of the airspace in the South Atlantic. This complements the superiority of its fighter jets.

The arrival of the Argentine F-16s is a step forward in the recovery of capability, but it comes at a time when the hegemonic power in the region is preparing to make the technological leap to the 5th and 6th generation.