'Russia arming Argentina' for Falklands showdown with UK

Sir Galahad survivors coming ashore in life rafts at San Carlos Bay after an air attack on the supply ship, which blazes in the background, during the Falklands war in 1982

Matthew Holehouse

Britain is to send two troop-carrying Chinook helicopters and a new surface-to-air missile system to the Falkland Islands, amid fears Russia could be arming Argentina.

Michael Fallon, the British Defence Secretary, said the islands would be ready to repel "any potential threat" following reports that the Kremlin was preparing to lease 12 Su-24 long-range bombers to Buenos Aires in exchange for beef and wheat.