Some of you might find this interesting.....
The First Sea Lord's address to RUSI
Nothing on the 801 NAS website/page yet....or any other ones specifically mentioning the Sea Harrier, but have a look at this:
More news from that exercise
.........simulated high threat environment of the exercise. To this end, the ship encountered a number of ‘enemy’ aircraft and fast attack craft that tested the speed and effectiveness of Middleton’s reactions.
Wouldn't it be better to assume that Mine Counter Measures operations only take place when there is air superiority? Lack of weapons etc considered? And the same with Fast Attack Craft, in 1991 the coalition Minehunters only started to sweep the mines of the Kuwaiti coastline (part of bluffing Saddam into expecting an amphibious assault - forcing him to commit thousands of troops to defending the beaches) after Iraq's surface vessels had been dealt with. Why would it be different now?
Two additional comments...
1. Most possible scenarios would be in places where tanker support would be available, increasing the range/endurance/time on station of the Sea Harriers on CAP.
2. There has been talk of the limited defence provided by Sidewinder (or ASRAAM) armed Harrier GR7/9s, but surely this would still be available (as a back up in an emergency) if both aircraft types were operated?