The Armada Republica Argentina (ARA) is the navy of Argentina. Born as a result of the May 25th, 1810revolution, it was not until 1814, under the leadership of Lt. Colonel (Navy) Spain.
In the late 19th century, the Armada Argentina began modernizing itself.
Although Argentina remained neutral in both world wars, the Argentine Navy was a force to be reckoned with. In the postwar period, Naval Aviation and Marine Corps units were created and developed. Along with Brazil, Argentina is one of the two South American countries that have operated two aircraft carriers effectively.
Despite the regional power of the Argentine navy, it was proved wholly ineffective against the Royal Navy during the Falklands War. Despite leading the invasion of the Falkland Islands, the Argentine navy played a small part in the subsequent conflict with the Royal Navy. After HMS Conqueror sank the ARA General Belgrano, the navy's fleet dared not venture from a 12 mile coastal limit imposed by the British lest they too were attacked by the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear powered submarines.
The only naval success of the war was the fleet air arms use of Exocet missiles, sinking the HMS Sheffield and the Atlantic Conveyor.
ARA Alferez Sobral, a Sotoyomo class patrol vessel damaged by Sea Skua missiles from Westland Lynx helicopters from HMS Glasgow (D88) and HMS Coventry (D118).
ARA Piedra Buena, a Allen M. Sumner class destroyer, an escort of the General Belgrano, formerly USS Collett.
ARA Santa Fe, a Balao class submarine, disabled by AS.12 missiles fired from Wasp helicopters from HMS Endurance, scuttled.