Q&A · 1:48:58-1:55:13

Second World War ships for the Falklands

Modernised wartime fleet carriers and battleships would transform the 1982 campaign by adding Harriers and heavy gunfire support.

Question

Which Second World War ships would be most useful in the Falklands War if suitably modernised?

Short answer

Large fleet carriers for Harriers, plus battleships for bombardment, would provide the largest operational gain.

Notes

The preferred carrier choices are Implacable and Indefatigable because they could embark a much larger Harrier force. Their hangar space could also leave room for helicopters while Hermes or Invincible concentrated on commando aviation. Nelson and Rodney offer the complementary value of sustained shore bombardment. The larger ships would transform command arrangements as well as firepower because a task group with two fleet carriers and battleships would demand more senior leadership.