Britain's years without a conventional carrier did not demonstrate that sea-based air power was obsolete. Operations over Libya required workarounds such as Apaches from HMS Ocean and long-range strike aircraft supported by tankers across Europe. Those arrangements were possible because the airspace was not heavily contested. Against a capable opponent, a fleet again needs organic airborne early warning, strike aircraft, and the ability to keep aviation close to the operating area. Large merchant hulls can add helicopter decks or anti-submarine capacity, but they supplement rather than replace the carrier and escort system.
Notable Point · 50:14-52:06
Why improvised carrier substitutes fail in contested airspace
Britain's carrier gap could be bridged in permissive operations, but a contested theater restores the need for organic air power and early warning at sea.