The argument moves beyond purchase price to ask what a state gives up by failing to procure or sustain carriers. CVA-01 is used as a British example: the programme might have cost less than the Falklands War, while its cancellation also affected perceptions of British resolve. Forces of one, two, three, and four ships are treated as distinct availability models, with four supporting continuous presence in the same way that a nuclear deterrent needs boats already at sea. Carrier numbers also demand enough escorts, crews, and supporting infrastructure to operate the force.
Notable Point · 6:48-18:03
The cost of not buying carrier capability
A carrier programme should be judged against the operational and political cost of its absence, including availability, escorts, and the capacity for a standing presence.