WHAT IF FRANCE had fought the 1982 Falklands War instead of Britain? Could the French Navy and its carrier battle group have defended the Falkland Islands against Argentina?
In this DCS World Falklands War simulation, we explore an alternate-history scenario in which France launches a major naval and amphibious operation to retake the Falkland Islands
French Naval & Amphibious Forces
The French task force includes:
- 1 × Clemenceau aircraft carrier
- 2 × Suffren-class AAW destroyers
- 2 × T-47 destroyers
- 3 × Tourville-class destroyers
- 9 × LST, LHD and auxiliary vessels
- 4 × Agosta-class submarines
The French secure the landing zones while their naval forces attempt to control the surrounding seas.
French Carrier Air Group
The Clemenceau carrier deploys:
- 10 × F-8E(FN) Crusaders
- 16 × Super Étendards
- 7 × Breguet 1050 Alizé aircraft
Without access to Ascension Island as a halfway staging base, the French have to accelerate their operation. Their carrier force moves to within a few miles of the Falkland Islands, creating a dangerous opportunity for Argentina.
Argentina Launches an All-Out Attack
Realising the French carrier group represents both a major threat and a potential opportunity, Argentina launches a massive coordinated naval and air attack.
The Argentine naval force includes:
- ARA General Belgrano
- Type 42 destroyers
- Gearing-class destroyers
- Sumner-class destroyers
At the same time, Argentina commits its available combat aircraft, including A-4 Skyhawks, Daggers, Mirage III fighters and Super Étendards from the Argentine Air Force and Navy.
With the entire Argentine strike force converging on the French carrier group, the battle becomes a fight for survival.
Could the French Fleet Survive?
Can the French carrier group defend itself against Argentina’s massed naval and air attack, or will the French fleet be overwhelmed?
Watch this DCS World military simulation to find out in this alternate-history recreation of the 1982 Falklands War.
