General Belgrano's approach could distract British commanders while the carrier and corvettes delivered the principal air and missile attacks. If those weapons damaged the escorts and carriers, Belgrano's 6-inch guns would then face opponents with little comparable gun power. British Exocet-armed ships might answer at range. The cruiser becomes most dangerous after the other groups have weakened the screen, which supports its proposed role as a finishing force.
Notable Point · 22:10-22:51
Belgrano's guns made sense as a finishing force
Belgrano may have served less as the opening threat than as the force intended to finish British ships already damaged by missiles and aircraft.