Falklands War: the key military aid that Israel gave to Argentina

During the Falklands War, in 1982, Argentina found itself virtually isolated from the Western world in terms of military supply. The United States, United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the European Economic Community imposed a strict arms embargo after the recovery of the islands. In that context, Israel emerged as one of the main suppliers of military equipment for the military government of Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri.

The Jewish State, together with Peru, Venezuela, Libya, Ecuador, and Brazil, offered key assistance that allowed the Argentine Armed Forces to remain in combat against a military power like the United Kingdom. Only from Jerusalem did supplies worth more than 87 million dollars at the time arrive.

Direct operations, triangulations, and regional complicity

The first shipments included spare parts, mines, turbines for Dagger aircraft, military overcoats, and encryption equipment. However, as the conflict progressed, Israel had to modify its strategy to avoid diplomatic reprisals. Mossad recommended triangulating deliveries through Peru, whose government provided blank purchase orders and falsified end-user certificates to cover up the operations.

The shipments departed from Tel Aviv to Lima, and from there were forwarded to Argentina on Aerolíneas Argentinas flights. Between May 10 and May 30, 1982, five flights were carried out with Shafrir missiles, 1,700-liter (449-gallon) auxiliary fuel tanks, and other vital materials for the Argentine fighter-bombers.

Technology, encoders, and undercover agents on the islands

One of the most sensitive aspects was the security of communications. Upon discovering that the U.S.-made encoders had been compromised by the CIA and Germany, Argentina once again turned to Israel. Three Sec-23 devices were obtained and installed by Israeli engineers, even in Puerto Argentino, where they arrived disguised as journalists.

These technicians, Yehoram Guilor and Ika Orgad, carried out the installation of the encryption systems directly in the field. One of them even remained on the islands until days before the surrender, in an episode fraught with diplomatic tension.

Aircraft purchases and failed operations

As the conflict was coming to an end, the Argentine Air Force arranged the purchase of 23 Mirage IIIB/C aircraft through Israel, again triangulated via Peru. The operation was carried out in secret, with advance payments deposited in Swiss accounts to avoid blockades.

Meanwhile, the Navy attempted to acquire 16 A-4E Skyhawks, but the operation was thwarted by the lack of authorization from the United States. Captain Horacio Estrada traveled with a check for 86 million dollars, which ended up in a scam led by intermediaries linked to the Israeli government. The money was eventually partially recovered during Raúl Alfonsín's administration.

A silent and decisive alliance

The military collaboration between Argentina and Israel during the Falklands War was one of the most significant of the conflict, although it remained in the shadows for decades. The logistical support, advanced technology, and political willingness of Menachem Begin's government proved crucial to sustaining Argentine resistance in the face of the international blockade.

Far from official speeches, this story reveals the secret intricacies of a war marked by improvisation, covert diplomacy, and geopolitics.