Q&A · 2:22:30-2:23:09

The strategic cost of selling Argentina an Implacable

A British sale of one Implacable-class carrier to Argentina would likely force an offsetting sale to Brazil, turning one transaction into a regional arms-balance problem.

Question

Why might Argentina expect Britain to sell it an Implacable-class carrier?

Short answer

Britain might make the sale, but would probably balance it by selling the other carrier to Brazil.

Notes

Britain might accept the commercial opportunity rather than dismiss Argentina's request outright. The sale would not be considered in isolation because a fleet carrier would alter the South American naval balance. Britain could answer that problem by offering the other Implacable-class ship to Brazil. One Argentine order would make a paired Brazilian deal a predictable consequence of arms-sales diplomacy.