Argentina - Comando de Aviacíon Naval

The Neptune played a significant role in Argentina’s naval aviation history, serving as the country’s primary long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for more than two decades. Its deployment reflected both Argentina’s strategic maritime ambitions and the geopolitical constraints it faced during the Cold War.

Argentina began operating the P2V Neptune in 1958, initially acquiring eight refurbished ex-Royal Air Force P2V-5 variants through a Dutch intermediary. These aircraft were assigned to the 1st Naval Exploration Squadron (1 Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Exploración), tasked with monitoring the vast South Atlantic for surface and subsurface threats. The squadron's capabilities were further enhanced between 1966 and 1972 when Argentina obtained three SP-2Es and one EP-2E variant from U.S. surplus, expanding its fleet's longevity and sensor capability.

Due to shifting diplomatic relationships and U.S. arms export restrictions, Argentina’s attempt to modernize with the more advanced P-3 Orion was blocked. As a workaround, Argentina acquired four SP-2H Neptunes in 1977. Although aging, the SP-2Hs received avionics upgrades and remained the backbone of Argentina’s maritime patrol operations through a period of increasing regional tensions.

The Neptune’s operational history includes key moments of strategic significance. In 1961, one aircraft undertook a bold reconnaissance overflight of the disputed Falkland Islands, demonstrating the aircraft's range and political utility. During the 1978 Beagle Channel crisis with Chile, Neptunes participated in Operation “Tronador”, conducting long-range patrols over the Pacific as Argentina mobilized its armed forces.

One of the most high-profile roles came during the Falklands War in 1982. At the war’s onset, only three SP-2Hs remained operational due to attrition and maintenance challenges. Despite this limitation, the aircraft contributed substantially to Argentina’s efforts. On May 4, 1982, Neptune 2-P-112 played a decisive role in locating the British destroyer HMS Sheffield relaying coordinates that enabled Super Étendard fighters to launch Exocet missiles—resulting in the sinking of Sheffield, the first Royal Navy warship lost to enemy action since World War II. The aircraft also supported search and rescue missions, including the search for survivors after the sinking of the ARA General Belgrano.

Following the Falklands conflict, the remaining Neptunes were rapidly phased out. Maintenance issues and obsolescence made continued operation untenable. The last active airframe, 2-P-112, was retired on August 30, 1982. For their wartime actions, the squadron and its crews received the “Honor al Valor en Combate,” a testament to their perseverance under difficult conditions.