The Falklands War started on 2nd April 1982 with an Argentine invasion and occupation of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The British response was adamant; the Falklands were British and would be re-taken either through diplomatic negotiation, or if that failed, by force.
The main opposition for the British Sea Harriers in the conflict proved to be small attack aircraft of the Argentine Air Force ? the Pucara and the American built Douglas A4 Skyhawk.
Without protection, the ageing A4 Skyhawks suffered and while some successes were achieved by the diminutive fighter bomber against the ships of the Task Force, eight were lost in aerial combat. The Sea Harrier by contrast suffered no air-to-air losses during the conflict and ended the war a capable and proven fighter aircraft.