Sea Harrier capability within procurement constraints

The early Sea Harrier offered a reasonably capable radar and useful combat air patrol capability, with adequate range and a limited strike role. The later Sea Harrier 2 was more capable, although it belonged to a period well after the Falklands War. A fully equipped conventional carrier would offer another option in an ideal procurement setting. Returning to that option after publicly declaring such ships unnecessary would require politicians to admit a mistake. Equipment selection also involves affordability, domestic or allied production and internal government compromise, so the chosen system need not represent a purely technical optimum.