Q&A · 1:49:28-1:49:40

How long Australia might have operated HMS Invincible

A counterfactual question considers the planned Australian purchase of Invincible and its likely fixed-wing air group.

Question

How long could Australia have operated Invincible, and would it have bought Sea Harriers?

Short answer

Australia would probably have acquired Sea Harriers, and Invincible could potentially have remained in service for decades.

Notes

The counterfactual assumes Australia would also have acquired Sea Harriers to give Invincible a fixed-wing role. A well-maintained ship could plausibly have remained useful for decades rather than serving only briefly.