Q&A · 7:18:41-7:20:07

Would Argentina sortie if the British had modernized Yamatos?

Argentina's decision to sortie depends on whether it learns that the hypothetical reinforcements have joined the British fleet.

Question

Would Argentina still sortie General Belgrano if modernized Yamato-class ships had appeared in the British task force?

Short answer

It could, if their arrival remained secret; publicity would change the situation, and long-range missiles would create a threat far beyond gun range.

Notes

In this counterfactual, the modernized Yamatos appear while the British task force is sailing south. Argentina could still send its ships out if their presence remained unknown. Keeping photographs and television coverage from revealing them would therefore matter to the scenario. Once their long-range anti-ship missiles were available, the Argentine carrier and General Belgrano could be attacked before approaching gun range.