Buccaneers attacking US carriers in exercises

Did Fleet Air Arm Buccaneers ever attack US carriers in exercises, and what happened?

Yes; the contests were difficult and often effectively mutual kills, with Buccaneers reaching simulated weapon release even when intercepted.

Both forces were highly trained, but the Buccaneer's exceptional low-level performance exploited radar and interception problems that differed from the high-altitude bomber threat. That profile contrasted with the Soviet Backfire threat around which early F-14 carrier defence was strongly framed. A radar and interception scheme effective against high-altitude bombers could still struggle with a fast aircraft pressed close to the sea. The exercises are connected to later American attention to sea-skimming attacks. Accounts are summarized as a difficult defensive kill followed by the Buccaneer still achieving simulated weapon release, making mutual losses a common framing.