Re the CVF/HAR/JSF debate I am unclear who provides a/d and or strike missions prior to a point where the GR4s/Typhoon find an airfield to operate from? And why can't the EU provide A/D for the UK, esp as they seem reliuctant to go anywhere else?
Probably Bismark, the same sort of airfields land based air power provided 'AD and strike' [sic] from on ops over Lebanon, Iraq (during GW1, the northern and southern NFZs, GW2), Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
Land based and maritime based air power each have their benefits and disadvantages Bismark. But please do not try and distort history by suggesting that carrier air is an essential pre-cursor for most ops.
Regards,
MM