UK Military So Weak It Could Struggle To Defend Falklands

UK Military So Weak It Could Struggle To Defend Falklands

Britain’s armed forces are now so depleted that the UK would struggle to defend the Falkland Islands if Argentina attempted another invasion, a former SAS veteran has warned.

Mick Hawkes, 65, who served 13 years in the SAS and fought in the 1982 Falklands War, said recent government plans to allow former soldiers to be recalled up to the age of 65 expose how dire the situation has become.

Mick Hawkes 13 years SAS veteran (Image: -)

Under the proposals, veterans could be mobilised during a national emergency. Hawkes dismissed the idea that older former soldiers could meaningfully bolster frontline combat strength.

“I just don’t think there is any way people of that age would be up to it physically,” he said. “Perhaps there are roles in the rear echelons, but forget the idea they could fight on the front line. Warfare is a young man’s game.”

Hawkes warned that Britain no longer possesses a credible fighting force capable of mounting a Falklands-style operation. “If we had a situation like the Falklands again, I’m not sure what we would be able to do,” he said.

The warning comes as the scale of Britain’s military decline becomes increasingly clear. In 1982, the Falklands task force included two aircraft carriers, eight destroyers and 16 frigates. Today, the Royal Navy operates just two carriers, six destroyers and 11 frigates.

Personnel numbers have also collapsed. The Royal Navy has around 17,100 sailors, compared with more than 60,000 during the Falklands War. The British Army has shrunk to just over 78,000 troops, down from around 163,000 in 1982.

While ministers argue modern technology such as drones and cyber capabilities can offset reduced numbers, critics warn that hardware, manpower and readiness still matter in a real conflict.

Although the Falklands are now better defended than before 1982, Hawkes said Britain’s overall weakness sends a dangerous signal to adversaries.

Key Takeaways

• Former SAS veteran warns Britain could struggle to defend the Falklands today

• Recall plans for over-55s seen as proof of severe manpower crisis

• Royal Navy and Army now a fraction of their 1982 strength

SOURCE: EXPRESS