Falklands War · permanent subject timeline
Sea Harriers, Argentine strike aircraft and fleet air defense. This page combines historical context with 27 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database Falklands War archive.
Historical context
The air campaign involved Royal Navy Sea Harriers operating from the carriers and Argentine aircraft flying long-range missions from the mainland. British ships and ground forces faced repeated attacks during the amphibious campaign and the advance toward Stanley.
Air power shaped every phase of the war. Carrier aircraft protected the task force, Argentine pilots inflicted serious ship losses and both sides operated under severe range, weather and logistical constraints.
World History Database records
The records below are selected from the 481-record Falklands War archive using this page's subject criteria and are ordered chronologically.
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Hercules aircraft operated by Argentine military airline LADE,on a mail run to an Antarctic base, lands at Stanley Airport, falsely claiming a fuel leak, and carrying senior Argentine officers who survey Stanley
Invasion of Falklands
Hercules aircraft operated by Argentine military airline LADE,on a mail run to an Antarctic base, lands at Stanley Airport, falsely claiming a fuel leak, and carrying senior Argentine officers who survey Stanley
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Destroyers and frigates exercising off Gibraltar under Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward were ordered south. They were joined by the carriers Hermes and Invincible, loaded with Sea Harrier fighters as well as amphibious ships and merchant ships
Falklands Task Force
Destroyers and frigates exercising off Gibraltar under Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward were ordered south. They were joined by the carriers Hermes and Invincible, loaded with Sea Harrier fighters as well as amphibious ships and merchant ships
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Aircraft carriers Hermes and Invincible set sail from Portsmouth
Falklands Task Force
The two aircraft carriers Invincible and Hermes, in the company of escort vessels, leave Portsmouth
Argentine Invasion of Falklands
Britain warns Argentina that any military or civilian ship or aircraft representing a threat to the task force will be destroyed
Invasion of Falklands
Britain warns Argentina that any military or civilian ship or aircraft representing a threat to the task force will be destroyed
Exclusion Zone
Maritime exclusion zone is declared a total exclusion zone, applicable to all ships and aircraft supporting the Argentine occupation of the Islands
Total Exclusion Zone
Extends restrictions to ships and aircraft supporting Argentina.
Air Force War Direction
Directs the Argentine Air Force as it prepares for combat against the approaching British task force.
Naval Losses
Vulnerable to Argentine aircraft, both carrier and land based, missile armed surface ships and submarines Woodward's approval is given to sink any Argentine warships outside Argentine territorial waters
Sea Harrier Squadron Command
Commands 801 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Invincible during the Falklands air campaign.
Air Attacks on Falklands
Air attacks begin on the Argentine garrison on the Falklands
Mirage Air Combat
Leads Sea Harrier combat operations as British fighters engage Argentine aircraft on the opening day of major air attacks.
Loss of HMS Sheffield
Loses HMS Sheffield to Argentine air attack.
Neptune Contact Maintained
Uses a Neptune patrol aircraft to maintain contact information on the British force for the Sheffield strike.
Pebble Island Raid
Commands D Squadron in the raid that destroys eleven Argentine aircraft on Pebble Island.
Loss of HMS Ardent
HMS Ardent is sunk after repeated air attacks.
Naval Losses
British frigate Ardent sunk in San Carlos Water by air attack - 22 die
Operation Sutton
San Carlos landings begin, codenamed Operation Sutton. British frigate Ardent sunk in San Carlos Water by air attack - 22 die
Shot Down by Sea Harrier
Is shot down by Nigel Ward's Sea Harrier and ejects safely from his Pucara.
Trelew Air Base Visit
Visits Trelew during the San Carlos fighting and encourages Argentine aircrews conducting attacks against British forces.
Loss of HMS Coventry
HMS Coventry is sunk by Argentine aircraft.
Naval Losses
British destroyer Coventry sunk by air attack - 20 die. British container ship Atlantic Conveyor is abandoned with 3 vital chinook helicopters aboard after an exocet missile hit sets the ship ablaze - 12 die
Distinguished Service Cross
Is awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leadership and combat performance during the Sea Harrier campaign.
Plymouth Under Air Attack
Keeps HMS Plymouth operational after the frigate is heavily attacked and damaged by Argentine aircraft.
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by World History Database
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from the World History Database Falklands War records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Reference points: Imperial War Museums · National Army Museum · The National Archives
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