Emprego de meios aéreos britânicos nas Malvinas: apoio à força naval à luz da doutrina brasileira

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the use of British Air and Naval Air Power during the Falklands War, with emphasis on the doctrinal and operational integration of fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets in support of the Naval Force. The central objective is to understand how coordination between the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force contributed to the success of the expeditionary campaign in the South Atlantic, as well as to identify insights applicable to contemporary military planning. The theoretical framework addresses the concepts of Air Power, Naval Air Power, and Maritime Air Power, exploring their distinctions and integration challenges, based on established theoretical references. Furthermore, the tasks outlined in the doctrine of the Brazilian Air Force are analyzed, highlighting convergences and specificities in relation to British experiences. The research deepens the study of the deployment of British air assets in the conflict, detailing the geopolitical and operational context of the South Atlantic Theater of Operations, the role of the main Royal Navy and RAF platforms, the coordination of air and naval operations, logistical challenges, and the articulation between air and maritime power. Emphasis is placed on the execution of key missions and phases of the campaign, the flexibility and adaptability of British forces in the face of adversity, and the importance of integration for operational success. Finally, the dissertation presents a comparative analysis between the British experience in the Falklands and the doctrine of the Brazilian Air Force, seeking to present reflections on actions undertaken to enhance the joint application of Air and Naval Power in complex operations. The work also includes a synthesis table with quantitative data on the use of aircraft and the execution of operational tasks, facilitating the visualization of results and supporting well-founded doctrinal reflections.