The RAF made 18 flights between the disputed Falkland Islands and airports in Brazil over the past two years, Argentina's government has said, calling them a breach of agreements between the two South American countries.

The Argentine foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that it was "concerned" about six flights last year and 12 in 2015 by the Royal Air Force.

The ministry said it requested an explanation from Brazil's government, reminding it of that country's commitment "to not allow British airplanes or warships based in the disputed archipelago" in accordance with agreements among member nations of the regional blocs Mercosur (the southern common market) and Unasur (the union of South American nations).

"The Brazilian foreign ministry reaffirmed its support to our country on this issue and said that it was unaware of these flights," the Argentine statement said.