On April 2, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, considered to be under British Sovereign rule since 1841, the UK quickly responded just one day after the occupation by dispatching two aircraft carriers, with 20 Sea Harriers. Eight more Harriers would join the conflict as the battle progressed. The first air to air combat were engaged by Harriers and shot down three of Argentina's aircraft, two Mirages and one Canberra, which made Argentina avoid dogfights for the rest of the occupation. Although the Argentinian pilots had never seen previous direct air combat, they were still considered a formidable opponent. This didn't stop the Harriers going after Argentinian aircraft and protecting their British ground troops and task force by using their advantageous sidewinder missiles that were highly effective against their enemies. The Sea Harriers squadrons were able to successfully shoot down 20 enemy aircraft during the conflict while only losing six, two to ground fire and four to accidents. During the 74 day conflict, the Sea Harrier would come out of the Falklands War as the heroes while Argentina acccepted surrender.