Why Didn't Argentina Sink the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 During the Falklands War?

One often wonders why Argentina didn't make a concerted effort to sink the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 during the Falklands War. After all, during the conflict, they managed to sink several other British vessels. Let’s delve into the reasons and explore the limitations faced by the Argentinian forces.

Resource Constraints

Despite the temptation, Argentina's military efforts during the Falklands War were limited by a lack of resources. They primarily relied on aircraft-launchable Exocet missiles, which they used with notable success in sinking the SS Atlantic Conveyor. However, this attack targeted a critical supply ship, not the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2.

Operational Challenges

The first step in any military operation is to detect the target. The South Atlantic is a vast region, making it challenging to locate a single ship, especially a large one like the QE2, which was strategically positioned far from the conflict zone. The Argentinians lacked the necessary resources to conduct any form of systematic search.

The Argentinian aircraft had limited range, barely reaching the Falklands. They had a few surface ships and submarines, but their radar had a limited range due to the curvature of the earth. Additionally, subsurface vessels would be extremely vulnerable to the British task force if they dispersed to look for the QE2.

Limited Military Need

The sheer distance between the QE2 and the Falkland Islands rendered it unfeasible for the Argentinian forces to target the ship. There was no military necessity for her to be close enough to the Falkland Islands to be a threat. This made it highly unlikely for the Argentineans to invest the necessary resources in attempting to sink her.

Strategic Importance of the QE2

The Queen Elizabeth 2 was a civilian ship that served as a popular ocean liner and cruise ship. It was far outside the theater of war and could not be part of any military operation. The question itself seems to assume that the Argentineans had the capability to sink any British ship, which is puzzling given the numerous failed attempts they made during the conflict.

Moreover, the historical records clearly show that the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 was never in a position to be attacked by the Argentinians. Therefore, she remained safe, a testament to both her strategic positioning and the limitations of the Argentinian military forces.

Conclusion

The failure to target the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 during the Falklands War was a result of resource constraints, limited operational capabilities, and the strategic lack of a need to engage with her. While the Argentinians could undoubtedly sink many British vessels, their efforts were redirected towards more critical military targets, such as the SS Atlantic Conveyor and the cruiser General Belgrano.