Q&A ยท 1:52:54-1:55:35

Would Malta-class carriers deter the Falklands War?

A large conventional carrier force might prevent the invasion, and would transform the campaign if deterrence failed.

Question

How would Malta-class carriers and their 1982 air wings change the Falklands War?

Short answer

They might deter the war; otherwise their fighters, strike aircraft, and airborne early warning would overwhelm Argentina's available air power.

Notes

Argentina might not attack if Britain retained two or three Malta-class carriers plus Hermes and Invincible. The historical decision to wait until Ark Royal and Eagle were firmly gone supports the deterrence argument. If war still came, Phantoms, Buccaneers, Hawkeyes, and Sea Kings would give the task force superior air defence, strike reach, airborne early warning, and lift. Stanley airfield and Argentine reconnaissance aircraft would face attack as soon as the carriers reached range.