London: The UK Defense Ministry on Thursday dismissed Argentina's assertion that a Royal Navy patrol vessel engaged in a 'military incursion' into Argentine waters.

According to Anadolu Agency, Argentina's Foreign Ministry announced it had submitted a 'formal note of protest' to the British Embassy. The protest alleged that HMS Medway entered Argentine waters without prior notification earlier this month. This complaint followed closely after Argentina's World Cup semifinal victory over England, with Argentine officials labeling the vessel's movements as a breach of international norms.

In its defense, the UK Defense Ministry clarified that HMS Medway had been facilitating British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operations during a routine logistics mission. The ministry stated that the vessel's activities were in support of delivering essential supplies to maintain scientific research in Antarctica.

The ministry explained, "HMS Medway undertook a routine logistics visit to Punta Arenas on 5-8 July supporting British Antarctic Survey operations, delivering essential stores and supplies to sustain scientific research in Antarctica." The transit route from the Falkland Islands to Chile and back was determined based on operational safety and weather conditions to ensure the timely delivery of supplies.

Furthermore, the UK Defense Ministry emphasized that this logistics operation underscores the UK's ongoing commitment to polar science and the maintenance of infrastructure critical to BAS operations.

The Falkland Islands, referred to as the Islas Malvinas in Argentina, remain a point of contention in a long-standing sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina. While Argentina maintains its claim over the islands, the UK insists that the future of the islands should be determined by their inhabitants, who have repeatedly expressed their desire to remain a British Overseas Territory.