Argentina’s government says it is actively negotiating with the United Kingdom to scale back long-standing Falklands-era arms restrictions, a move that could open the door for the Argentines to access Western military technology for the first time in decades.
President Javier Milei confirmed the discussions during an interview with The Telegraph, saying Argentina cannot remain a serious global player without rebuilding its defense capabilities. “There are no world powers without military power,” he said. “There is no country that counts in the international context if they can’t defend their borders.”
Under current UK export rules, Britain is required to refuse licenses for any equipment judged to “enhance Argentine military capability,” effectively blocking the sale of weapons containing British-made components. Western manufacturers have treated the policy as a blanket restriction since the 1982 Falklands War.
Milei said talks to revise the rules are underway “absolutely,” and suggested the United States is working alongside Argentina to help move the process forward. Sources cited by The Telegraph also said US officials have played a role in brokering early defense conversations between London and Buenos Aires.
The Argentine president is expected to visit the UK in spring 2026, marking the first official trip by an Argentine leader since 1998. He told the outlet he intends to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as well as opposition leaders. Milei added that he would “absolutely” like to sit down with Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, praising his “vision” on Brexit.
Milei said he has invited Starmer to Buenos Aires and emphasized that any future dialogue must remain peaceful and diplomatic. “Since I consider that the solution is to be sought through peaceful and diplomatic means, I think the best way to show the willingness on the part of Argentina is to show that we also have a commercially adult relationship,” he said.
He has tasked his defense minister, Carlos Alberto Presti, with leading the review of which restrictions Argentina wants lifted. Alongside defense matters, Milei said he intends to expand trade ties with the UK, “taking the geopolitical risks into consideration.”
Argentina’s relations with Britain have warmed since Milei took office in 2023, part of a diplomatic realignment that has included close engagement with President Donald Trump. Trump has publicly referred to Milei as his “favorite president,” and the two have signaled strong cooperation on defense and regional issues.
