Q&A ยท 32:56

Would a supersonic Harrier transform the Falklands War?

A faster Harrier would help interception, but the panel makes airborne early warning the key condition for turning speed into combat advantage.

Question

How would a supersonic Harrier variant affect the Falklands conflict?

Short answer

It would help intercept incoming aircraft, but its real advantage would depend on having airborne early warning to direct it.

Notes

Supersonic speed would shorten patrol response and help the Harrier reach incoming Argentine aircraft more quickly. Speed alone would not reveal where an interception was needed, so the aircraft would still depend on timely direction from airborne early warning. Helicopter-borne AEW is the practical enabling technology in the panel's answer. Successful use in the Falklands might also have changed its reputation from a second-best substitute into a system with different but credible strengths.