Q&A · 11:55-13:27

Could Tiger or Blake have helped in the Falklands?

A side question considers the command and fire-support value of reactivating the Tiger-class cruisers in 1982.

Question

Could the Tiger-class cruisers Tiger or Blake have usefully deployed in the 1982 Falklands War?

Short answer

Yes as command and fire-support ships, but reactivating them would probably have taken too long for the actual campaign.

Notes

HMS Tiger and HMS Blake were considered, but reactivation would probably have taken longer than the Falklands War itself. If available, one could have served as a commodore's command ship in San Carlos Water. The cruiser's communications and command spaces would have helped coordinate the amphibious force, while its guns added substantial local firepower. Their potential operational value depended on whether the old ships could be made ready in time.