London, Feb. 3: The military deployment of Britain's Prince William to the Falkland Islands has upset Argentina.

The Telegraph quoted Jorge Taina, an aide to Argentina''s foreign minister, said the move would reopen debate about the future of the islands.

"This circumstance only serves to once again highlight Britain''s ongoing military presence in land and sea areas that are part of the Argentine Republic''s national territories," he said.

Argentina claims ownership of the islands it calls the Malvinas.

Prince William will be sent to the Falklands by the Royal Air Force to serve as a search and rescue pilot (SAR) for three months, after he completes his 18-month RAF course in 2009.

Britain and Argentina fought over the Falkland Islands in 1982, when Argentine forces invaded the islands, prompting Margaret Thatcher to deploy naval forces to retake the territory.

After a near-three month conflict in which 649 Argentines and 255 Britons were killed, Buenos Aires surrendered on June 14 but maintained its claim to the archipelago.

Prince William''s uncle, Prince Andrew, took part in the military operation while serving as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy. (ANI)