Fleetwide Exocet fits could change British Falklands targeting choices

Where would widespread Exocet fits on Royal Navy escorts be most helpful?

Their largest effect could be in the Falklands, where surface missile attacks might free submarines to scout and remain concealed.

Giving more British escorts an anti-ship missile battery creates no general disadvantage. If the fits arrived before the Falklands War, the important change would be the volume of surface-launched Exocets available against Belgrano, its escorts, or the Argentine carrier group. Submarines might then spend more time scouting and confirming positions rather than revealing themselves with the first attack. One fleetwide weapon fit can change the division of labour among surface ships and submarines.