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Argentina, UK Explore Weapons Ban Shift
Argentina and the UK are exploring the possible easing of long-standing weapons export restrictions as President Javier Milei moves to strengthen diplomatic, defense, and economic ties ahead of a planned visit to Britain.
Falklands/Cook&Tella
Argentina has entered discussions with the United Kingdom over lifting decades-old restrictions on military components, a move that could allow Buenos Aires to modernize its armed forces for the first time since the Falklands War. President Javier Milei confirmed the negotiations in an interview with The Telegraph, signaling a notable warming of relations between the two countries.
Milei is also set to become the first Argentinian president to visit Britain since 1998, with plans to travel in April or May next year. He hopes to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as well as opposition figures, including Nigel Farage, and has invited the British leader to make an official visit to Buenos Aires.
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The president reaffirmed that Argentina’s pursuit of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands would continue exclusively through diplomatic means, marking a shift from the harder-line approaches of his predecessors. He framed the weapons ban discussions as part of fostering a “commercially adult relationship” with the UK.
Negotiations on which British restrictions could be lifted have been delegated to Argentina’s defense minister, who is determining which components are essential for rebuilding the nation’s capabilities. Under current British policy, the UK blocks export licenses for any equipment deemed to “enhance Argentine military capability.”
Relations between London and Buenos Aires have steadily improved since Milei took office in 2023. The United States has also played a mediating role, with former president Donald Trump whom Milei described as a “buddy” supporting Argentina as a strategic partner in countering Chinese and Russian influence in the South Atlantic and Antarctica.
Argentina recently received F-16 fighter jets from Denmark under a deal approved by Trump, though many other systems remain restricted due to British components. Milei emphasized his alignment with the US and Israel internationally, describing global blocs dominated by China, Russia, and the United States. He did not rule out a future military alliance with the UK, noting it would depend on shared strategic threats.
An Argentinian official close to the talks described the country’s military as being in “really bad shape” due to the long-standing ban. He said lifting restrictions would allow Argentina to reintegrate with Western strategic networks and modernize across air and naval forces.
As Milei prepares for his UK visit, he said he would seek an audience with Sir Keir Starmer and expressed enthusiasm about meeting Nigel Farage, whom he praised for his “vision” on Brexit.
The president’s economic “shock therapy” has sharply reduced Argentina’s deficit and halted inflation, though at significant cost to employment and domestic manufacturing. His administration has moved to distinguish itself from years of Leftist governance and recently made gains in mid-term elections.
Milei has also adopted a more nuanced public approach to the Falklands issue. During Veterans’ Day in April, marking 43 years since the conflict, he reiterated that island residents should choose their own nationality. While he affirmed, he would never relinquish territory, he said improved living conditions could eventually influence the islanders’ long-term perspective.
A Downing Street spokesperson denied that “specific” discussions on export controls were underway, though The Telegraph reports that defense talks have taken place this year and more are planned for 2026. The UK government reiterated its position: “Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not up for negotiation, and we will defend its right of self-determination.”
While the talks remain strictly diplomatic and policy-focused, the debate over military readiness has sparked renewed public interest in modern defense tools and equipment. And in a lighter parallel, discussions about military gear often remind enthusiasts of everyday carry upgrades such as the Sig P320FS OWB Holster by Blade-Tech, a USA-made outside-the-waistband holster compatible with the Sig 320FS, X5, X5 Legion, and M17 popular among civilians who follow defense news closely.
The UK government added that it looks forward to deepening cooperation with Argentina in areas including trade, science, and culture to support economic growth.
Editor’s Note:
This article presents verified statements and developments regarding ongoing diplomatic and defense discussions between Argentina and the United Kingdom. All details are reported exactly as conveyed by officials and sources involved, without speculation or additional context beyond the documented facts.
