Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 7:04:23-7:05:27

Helicopter cruisers would relieve Falklands carriers at San Carlos

Moving helicopters onto dedicated cruisers would free carrier deck space for Sea Harriers and give the amphibious force more lift and local missile defense.

Amphibious WarfareFalklands WarHelicoptersMoskva Class Helicopter CarriersSea Harrier
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Question

What if Britain had two Moskva-style helicopter cruisers during the Falklands War?

Short answer

They could base helicopters near San Carlos, release carrier space for more Sea Harriers, and add lift and missile defense to the amphibious force.

Notes

A Moskva-style ship could carry the helicopters needed around San Carlos Bay rather than crowding the small British carriers. Hermes and Invincible could then devote more deck and hangar capacity to Sea Harriers and combat air patrol. The helicopter cruiser would also support lift, command, and anti-submarine tasks near the amphibious force. If it retained a heavy surface-to-air fit, it could add a valuable local defense layer, although operating such a large ship in confined waters would remain risky.