809 returns south to secure Falklands air defence

After the ceasefire, 809 Squadron reformed from personnel returning in HMS Hermes, transferred to the newly completed HMS Illustrious, and sailed back to the South Atlantic. Its mission was to provide front-line air defence while Britain repaired Port Stanley's runway and established hangars, radar coverage, and a secure permanent garrison. The fighting had ended, but the political and military situation was still delicate enough that planners could not assume Argentina would leave the islands unchallenged. The squadron remained until RAF 29 Squadron arrived with Phantoms and the shore-based defensive system could take over.