Argentina and the UK have begun talks about easing a Falklands-era UK export rule that blocks weapons with British components from being sold to Buenos Aires. President Javier Milei confirmed negotiations have started and plans a UK visit in April or May, seeking meetings with senior UK figures. The US is reported to be mediating the defence talks, and Denmark has recently delivered F-16s to Argentina; Downing Street says there are no specific plans to relax export controls.
UK and Argentina Hold Talks to Relax Falklands-Era Arms Ban Ahead of Milei’s Planned UK Visit
Dec 11
Javier Milei said: ‘There is no country that counts in the international context if they can’t defend their borders’
Argentina and the United Kingdom have opened discussions that could lift a decades-old UK export rule blocking weapons that contain British components from being sold to Buenos Aires. President Javier Milei told The Telegraph that formal talks have begun to review restrictions put in place after the 1982 Falklands War.
“There are no world powers without military power,” Mr Milei said. “There is no country that counts in the international context if they can’t defend their borders.” He added that Argentina, with backing from the United States, is lobbying to change the export rules that currently prevent sales of equipment judged to “enhance” Argentine military capability.
The Telegraph reports Mr Milei is planning to visit the UK in April or May next year and hopes to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other British politicians, including Nigel Farage. He also invited Sir Keir to visit Buenos Aires.
Under current UK policy officials are directed to "refuse licences for export and trade of goods judged to enhance Argentine military capability." Downing Street has denied that there are "specific" talks to relax export controls, while acknowledging that defence dialogue with Argentina is ongoing.
The restrictions have been in place since the Falklands War was fought in 1982 - Martin Cleaver/PA Photos
US Role And Recent Arms Deliveries
Sources told The Telegraph that the United States is helping to mediate defence discussions between London and Buenos Aires. Analysts note that former US President Donald Trump, a personal ally of Mr Milei, has described Argentina as an important strategic partner in limiting Chinese and Russian influence in the South Atlantic and Antarctica. Separately, F-16 jets were recently delivered to Argentina from Denmark under an arrangement approved by the US.
Milei’s Position And Domestic Context
Mr Milei has authorised his defence minister to negotiate which specific restrictions might be lifted and has pledged to modernise Argentina’s armed forces. He emphasised that any claim on the Falkland Islands would be pursued through diplomatic channels, framing improved commercial and defence ties as a sign of peaceful intent.
Domestically, Mr Milei’s economic “shock therapy” has reduced the fiscal deficit and curbed inflation, but critics argue these gains have come at a cost to jobs and local industry. His moves to boost military spending and shift Argentina’s foreign alignments—he has expressed closer ties to the US and Israel—have contributed to a thaw in relations with London since he took office in 2023.
“Whatever can be done to improve trade, I will do, taking the geopolitical risks into consideration,” Mr Milei said.
An Argentinian official involved in the discussions told The Telegraph the armed forces were in “really bad shape” and required comprehensive modernisation across air and naval capabilities; lifting the UK restrictions would facilitate access to Western supply chains and integrate Argentina into allied strategic networks.
For now, the UK government reiterates that the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not negotiable and that the islanders’ right to self-determination will be defended. The two governments are reported to have held defence talks this year, with further meetings expected in 2026.
