I think it was one squadron - reinforced with a couple of extra aircraft.....
On another note, rumours persist in some quarters about the 909 radar (needed for Sea Dart) aboard the T42s. Old technology, thermal problems (our ships deploy to very hot and very cold places).... I think I heard rumours like that years go - from people who had been 909 maintainers.
Whilst doing a quick Google search for "909 radar problems" I came across the following...
Uncorrected Evidence 45
A very long read, but interesting. It would appear that the First Sea Lord is concerned about the danger of taking losses when the fleet has so few ships. He also thinks we need about thirty frigates and destroyers. If we had not lost three T23s we would have nearly that. I am shocked at the approx £8.8 million per year running costs for a Type 23 Frigate - given how much defence and foreign policy will be affected how can the Government justify these cuts which will save so little, the savings swallowed up elsewhere?
The Sea Harrier gets mentioned to, as does CVF.
To sum up, this is what I see
1.Not having the Sea Harrier makes defence diplomacy and deterrence more important - so as to avoid the really severe situation where carriers/organic air defence are vital.
2.Less frigates/destroyers means less diplomacy and deterence, therefore real brown trousers situations are more likely.
3.Through their incompetence and arrogance, our politicians are almost inviting attacks on UK national interests.