The cost of cancelling CVA-01 includes the message sent by sustained naval disinvestment. Argentine decision-makers could read Britain's shrinking capability as evidence that the Falkland Islands would not be defended, while also assuming that the Sea Harrier could not perform air-to-air combat. The Fleet Air Arm's history of making demanding carrier aircraft work provides a warning against that judgment, with the Gloster Gladiator, Fairey Fulmar, and F4U Corsair named as examples. Deterrence depends on an opponent's perception of political resolve and the practical combat value of available aircraft.
Notable Point · 7:20-8:45
Sea Harrier assumptions and Falklands deterrence
The Falklands example connects carrier procurement to signalling: Argentine leaders underestimated both British resolve and the Sea Harrier's air-combat value.