May 4, 1982 · South Atlantic Theater
May 4, 1982
Two Argentine Super Étendard naval strike jets, each carrying a single AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile refuelled by a KC-130 tanker, descended below radar level and fired their weapons at long range. HMS Sheffield, a Type 42 destroyer, had her electronic warfare systems switched off to avoid interfering with satellite communications when the missile struck. The Exocet failed to detonate its warhead fully, but its burning rocket fuel ignited fires that could not be controlled, and Sheffield was abandoned. She sank six days later while under tow.
Commanders