A force without fighters faces an awkward choice when an unidentified aircraft approaches during a crisis short of war. Firing risks escalation or attacking a civilian aircraft, particularly when maritime patrol aircraft resemble airliners. Britain also needed a central platform for the anti-submarine helicopter force promised to NATO. Invincible provided the bare minimum in this assessment, despite the availability of larger designs. The criticism also extends to Type 23 and Type 45 procurement: ministers favoured the second-smallest option because it appeared economical without inviting accusations of choosing the cheapest ship. Adjusting the range of options upwards is suggested as a way to obtain the capability actually needed.
Notable Point · 9:52-12:23
Why Britain still needed the Invincible class
Aircraft identification and NATO anti-submarine commitments expose the capabilities Britain still needed after cancelling its fleet carriers.