With the help of airpower, Argentina invades and captures the Falkland Islands, a British crown colony. On May 4, an Argentine airplane sinks the British destroyer HMS Sheffield with an Exocet missile. Argentine aircraft sink three more British ships, including two frigates and a destroyer, before British forces prevail, aided by land and carrier-based aircraft. On June 14, the last Argentine forces surrender to British troops in the Falklands.
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.