The Espionage and Military Surveillance Secretly Deployed by HMS Osiris in the Falkland Islands

Introduction

The Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas, have been the subject of intense geopolitical interest. The historical tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of these islands have not diminished, but instead have been perpetuated by intense military surveillance. Recently, new evidence has emerged from UK defense reports revealing the covert operations carried out by HMS Osiris in the region. This article aims to explore these operations and their implications.

Secret British Submarine Operations After the Falklands War

During the Falklands War in 1982, the British fleet demonstrated the capability of their naval forces. Yet, this only cemented the need for continuous monitoring and espionage in the region for the British military. In 1983, the UK submarine HMS Osiris embarked on a clandestine mission to gather intelligence and maintain military deterrence.

Operation Details

HMS Osiris, an Oberon-class submarine, was tasked with observing naval and air traffic and gathering information about Argentine submarines based in Mar del Plata. The mission began on February 27, 1983, with the submarine arriving in Argentine waters with orders from the British Government to conduct surveillance near Mar del Plata Naval Base. The primary objectives included:

Monitoring the ARA Guerrico corvette Recording the movements of the Argentine navy and air force Gathering intelligence on the SSK 209 submarines

Specific Incidents

While conducting these operations, HMS Osiris recorded two specific incidents of note. On March 11, 1983, the submarine detected the sound of a ship’s sonar, which turned out to be the icebreaker Almirante Irízar, approximately 50 miles from Mar del Plata. The sound recording was later classified as a significant moment.

Another notable incident occurred when HMS Osiris detected and followed a warship, later identified as the A69 corvette Guerrico, as it navigated south of the Valdés Peninsula. The submarine reported detailed observations, noting that the corvette was silent and difficult to detect from a distance.

Consequences and Context

The absence of immediate threats against the Falkland Islands, as reported by HMS Osiris, did not deter the British military from maintaining a strong presence. The Royal Navy continued to send submarines to the region to observe Argentine naval activities.

According to historian and lawyer Mariano Sciaroni, these operations were part of a broader strategy by the UK to ensure its dominance in the region. Sciaroni noted, “The British military feared some form of recovery of the Malvinas by Argentina, so they deployed submarines in the area. The presence of submarines is a form of deterrence, as it shows capability and readiness for action.”

An official memo from the Ministry of the Armed Forces, dated April 14, 1983, indicated no credible threat against the Falkland Islands. This document, along with other declassified reports, provides a significant backing for the earlier claims made by Sciaroni.

Conclusion

The secret operations of HMS Osiris in the Falkland Islands highlight the ongoing military tensions between the UK and Argentina over the sovereignty of the Malvinas. These intelligence-gathering missions serve as a strong reminder of the enduring geopolitical sensitivity in the region. As such, these operations continue to be a crucial part of maintaining military readiness and deterrence.

References

1. Thin Pinstripe Line (2022). British Submarine HMS Osiris Spied on Argentina After the Falklands War. [Link to the original article]

2. Sciaroni, M. (2010). Falklands After the English Submarines. Institute of Naval Publications.

3. Thin Pinstripe Line (2022). HMS Osiris Operations in the Falkland Islands: 1983. [Link to the original article]

4. Sciaroni, M. (2022). Interview with Infobae. [Link to the interview]