Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:03:05-5:03:46

Export Harrier carriers and a wider sea-control fleet

Vickers exports could sustain British shipbuilding and encourage Australia, and possibly Canada, to retain small carrier forces.

Alternate HistoryDefence ProcurementLight CarriersLive Q&ANaval AviationRoyal Navy
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Question

What if Vickers sold several 6,000- to 10,000-ton Harrier carriers abroad?

Short answer

The sales would help British industry and probably keep Australia operating carriers, with Canada also raised as a possibility.

Notes

Selling Vickers' proposed small Harrier carriers would help sustain British shipbuilding. Australia is expected to retain carrier aviation in this scenario, with Canada raised as a more tentative possibility. Orders from several customers would create a broader base of operators and improve the prospects for later replacement ships. Successful exports could thus sustain both the industry and those navies' carrier service.