Argentina to supply Ukraine with Super Étendard aircraft amidst military embargo
Argentina intends to supply Ukraine with Super Étendard fighter-attack aircraft. Although these machines have been decommissioned, they possess an essential capability for Ukraine: they are integrated with AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Their effectiveness was demonstrated years ago during the Falklands War.
According to the Argentine Infobae service, Argentina's authorities have initiated efforts—in agreement with the United States and France—to transfer five Super Étendard aircraft to Ukraine.
This initiative is complex and requires international cooperation due to the British embargo introduced during the Falklands War 1982.
Refilling the pyrotechnic charges responsible for the ejection seats is necessary, among other things, to make the planes, which Argentina retired last year, operational again.
They are integrated with French precision weaponry and AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.
Super Étendard, the pillar of French naval aviation
The Dassault Super Étendard is a French carrier-based aircraft developed as a fighter-attack machine (with a focus on the latter function). It was designed in the 1960s to replace the Dassault Étendard aircraft, which had served in French naval aviation since the 1950s.
The Super Étendard aircraft entered service in the late 1970s and was eventually modernised to carry nuclear weapons, precision air-to-ground weapons (AS-30), and anti-ship missiles. France decommissioned them in 2016.
Dassault Super Étendard – technical specifications
The Super Étendard is 14 metres long and has a wingspan of 9.4 metres. Its maximum takeoff weight is 12,000 kilograms, of which 2,100 kilograms is allocated for armament on six hardpoints. The aircraft is also armed with two fixed 30-mm DEFA cannons.
The Super Étendard ranges up to 1,800 kilometres, which can be extended with additional fuel tanks or in-flight refuelling. Its maximum speed slightly exceeds 1,200 kph, and its service ceiling is 13,700 metres.
Combat success of the Super Étendards
The Super Étendard aircraft achieved significant success. During the Falklands War, despite British superiority, Argentina's air force equipped with these aircraft inflicted serious losses on the British.
Super Étendards attacked the British missile destroyer HMS Sheffield with AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Although only one of the two missiles launched hit the ship, and its warhead likely did not detonate, the impact energy and the remaining rocket fuel were sufficient to damage HMS Sheffield severely.
Dozens of British sailors were killed or injured, and despite rescue efforts, the destroyer sank due to the ensuing fire. Similarly, Argentine Super Étendards sank the British transport ship Atlantic Conveyor.
