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Vulcan Bomber's Falklands Raid: A Daring Last Hurrah
2 Aug
Summary
- Vulcan bomber's 16-hour, 6,600-mile mission to Falklands in 1982
- Bombing raid damaged Port Stanley airfield, preventing Argentine jets
- V-Force bombers played key roles in Falklands and Gulf wars
As of 2025, the engaging story of Britain's V-Force of strategic nuclear bombers continues to captivate readers. The V-Force's finest hour came long after it had been stripped of its nuclear capability, when a lone Avro Vulcan carried out what was then the longest bombing mission by any air force.
On April 30, 1982, the Vulcan flew 16 hours and 6,600 nautical miles from Ascension Island to the Falkland Islands, then under Argentine occupation. Dropping 21 1,000-lb bombs, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Martin Withers, was able to cause enough damage to the Port Stanley airfield to prevent Argentine fast jets from using it, if not transport planes.
This daring raid was the V-Force's last hurrah. The Vulcans were taken out of service in 1984, and the Victor, another V-Force bomber, followed nine years later. The original V-bomber, the Valiant, last flew on operations in 1964. The V-Force had been developed originally as nuclear bombers, but by 1968, the deterrent was transferred to the Royal Navy's Polaris-equipped submarines.
Despite being stripped of its nuclear capability, the V-Force bombers played a significant role in both the Falklands and Gulf wars, showcasing the versatility and enduring legacy of these iconic aircraft.
