Q&A · 4:26:40-4:31:23

Preparing the Royal Navy for a known Falklands war

The opening proposal favors larger Invincible-class carriers and retained Tiger-class cruisers while avoiding a carrier force so powerful that it would prevent the war assumed by the scenario.

Question

Starting in 1960, how could either the Royal Navy or Argentine Navy be covertly prepared for a Falklands war expected about twenty years later?

Short answer

Build larger Invincibles and retain missile-converted Tiger-class cruisers, using NATO and out-of-area missions to justify the improvements without creating a force that deters the assumed war.

Notes

The answer develops the Royal Navy side of the scenario, beginning with greater ship range justified by North Atlantic anti-submarine commitments. A full CVA-01 carrier program is judged likely to deter Argentina and therefore conflict with the condition that the war still occurs. The preferred compromise is a larger Invincible class carrying more aircraft. Another proposal keeps Tiger, Blake, and potentially Lion for missile and command conversions inspired by the US Navy's Albany. Retaining 6-inch guns alongside a RIM-66 launcher is proposed as a way to address both Belgrano and air defence. Participants disagree about how discreetly a carrier increase could be funded. The response suggests making the case through Soviet surface raiders and deployments outside the main NATO area.