Q&A ยท 5:25:01-5:25:57

HMS Warspite in the Falklands War

A modernized Warspite would best serve the Falklands amphibious group as a headquarters and heavy gunfire-support ship.

Question

How would the Falklands War change if HMS Warspite remained in service with upgrades into the 1980s?

Short answer

She would be most useful as Clapp's amphibious flagship and heavy gunfire-support ship.

Notes

Keeping Warspite operational into the 1980s would mean retaining a battleship approaching seventy years old. Within that unlikely premise, her command space could let Michael Clapp keep his amphibious staff together instead of dividing it between Fearless and Intrepid. Her 15-inch guns would provide heavy fire support for troops ashore. A substantial 40 mm battery could also strengthen the defenses at San Carlos against aircraft appearing over the surrounding ridges.