The Consequences of the Attack on the HMS Invincible
Following the Argentine attack on HMS Invincible on 30 May 1982, the carrier and her escort, HMS Brilliant, operated near Beauchêne Island, around 30 miles south of the Malvinas Islands. According to this account, the area’s isolation made it a suitable place for the ship to withdraw from the main battle zone, reduce exposure to Argentine air attacks and, possibly, undergo checks or repairs while still supporting operations over the islands.
Beauchêne is the southernmost island of the Malvinas archipelago and is completely uninhabited. Its remoteness may have made it useful as a discreet naval operating area, although there is no evidence that Argentina established a radar or observation post there during the war. Today, the island is an internationally important protected nature reserve, with large colonies of nesting seabirds, including black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. Access is strictly controlled.
The incident also affected the planned sale of HMS Invincible to Australia. In 1981, Australia had agreed to buy the carrier as a replacement for HMAS Melbourne, with the ship expected to enter service as HMAS Australia. However, after the South Atlantic conflict began, and amid concerns over the ship’s condition and operational importance, the Australian government suspended the purchase. In July 1983, after inspecting the available carrier options, Australia officially cancelled the deal.
The United Kingdom then offered HMS Hermes, together with Sea Harriers, training and support, but Australia rejected the proposal. Hermes remained in Royal Navy service until 1984, was placed in reserve because of her high operating costs, and was later sold to India in 1986, where she became INS Viraat.
In the end, the episode contributed to Australia abandoning carrier-based fixed-wing aviation rather than proceeding with the acquisition of Invincible under uncertain conditions.
Images
1 HMS Invincible
2 HMS Brillante
3 Beauchène Island
4 View of HMS Invincible
5 Artist's rendering of HMAS Australia