Submarine pursuit cannot guarantee a timely interception

The Falklands cruiser sinking supplies an example of the destructive result of several Mark VIII torpedo hits. Delivering such an attack still requires a submarine to find the target and reach a useful firing position. A surface ship travelling at 20 knots can force a pursuing submarine to make substantially more speed to catch it. At the illustrative 25 knots, rapid movement through the water creates noise and compromises the submarine's stealth. That becomes a problem when convoys are already threatened and available submarines are out of position. The counterfactual carriers supply another way to respond rapidly, including in distant waters such as the Indian Ocean. Indian participation is briefly considered alongside Britain, Australia and Canada.