Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:54:17-3:56:27

Without Harrier, the Falklands exposes Britain's carrier gap

A Royal Navy without STOVL fighters would still sail south, but heavier losses or failure would likely trigger a rapid return to conventional carrier aviation.

Carrier AviationFalklands WarHarrier Jump JetInvincible Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal NavyTiger Class Cruisers
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Question

What would the Royal Navy have done if the Harrier and STOVL fighter concept had not existed?

Short answer

It would still attempt the Falklands operation with far greater risk, and a poor result would probably revive conventional carrier construction.

Notes

The task force would lack its most important local fighter cover, although Britain would still attempt the operation. Invincible-class ships might operate closer to San Carlos as helicopter carriers, while retained Tiger-class cruisers could contribute dense three-inch antiaircraft fire. The United States might intervene if Britain requested help, but domestic political pride could delay that request. A badly damaged or defeated task force would create overwhelming pressure for a new full-strength carrier program after the war.