Q&A · 6:00:51-6:04:58

What modernized Yamato-class ships change in the Falklands War

Two imagined modernized Yamatos bring missile strikes and 18-inch fire support to the Falklands campaign, while their close-in defences still leave a role for escorts.

Question

How would two Yamato-class ships modernized along Iowa-class lines affect the Falklands War?

Short answer

Tomahawk-style land-attack weapons, Harpoons, and 18-inch gunfire would greatly strengthen attacks on airfields, warships, and land positions, while missile defence would still require escorts.

Notes

The scenario brings a surface group led by two modernized Yamato-class battleships into the British Falklands force. Iowa-style modernization gives the imagined ships Tomahawk and Harpoon weapons for attacks on airfields and Argentine naval units. The Iowa comparison specifies 16 Harpoons and 32 Tomahawk launch positions, with some Tomahawks available in an anti-ship version. The 18-inch guns would add heavy support against positions such as those at Tumbledown. Four Phalanx mountings are discussed as close-in protection, with escorts still needed because relying on Phalanx alone is inadequate. Harpoon is also credited with considerably greater range than surface-launched Exocet in the period considered.