From 1976 to 1981, the ship underwent a major refit. Work included the installation of a datalink to improve co-operation with s, updates to the radar suite, and other work to extend the carrier's life expectancy into the 1990s. In 1988, engine problems, combined with the inability for Argentina to fund a required modernisation of , saw the "Colossus"-class carrier confined to port, making "Minas Gerais" the only active aircraft carrier in the South American region. In December 1987, "Minas Gerais" herself was laid up after participating in Operation Dragon XXIII because of problems with her aircraft catapult. Although unable to operate as an aircraft carrier, the ship saw use over the following years in training exercises as an amphibious assault ship; using an air group of Eurocopter AS532 Cougar and Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel helicopters to transport Marines ashore.