More preparation time might have let Argentina station A-4s on the islands, although the intention to do so is questioned. A squadron there would have complicated British operations without necessarily changing the campaign decisively. Its base would lack airborne early warning and have fewer radars and air-defence missiles than a carrier group. A fixed airfield would also be vulnerable to special-forces attack. Mainland operations already had to accommodate limited tankers and aircraft range, while island-based aircraft would need continuing deliveries of fuel and munitions after the Royal Navy arrived.
Notable Point · 1:08:43-1:11:40
Limits on Argentine A-4 basing in the Falklands
A hypothetical A-4 squadron on the islands would still face weak warning and protection, a fixed base, and difficult fuel and ammunition supply.