I think it is reasonable to say that nobody expected the SDSR axe to end all RN fixed wing flying for a decade. This is discussed at great length in various places, including the following PPRuNe thread:
Decision to axe Harrier is "bonkers"
Air Forces Monthly have produced a special publication,
UK Airpower 2011, which shows the Sea Harriers sent to the SFDO Dummy Deck at Culdrose as the only RN fast jets, it comments that they are
still in service although no longer flying, and are the
only way that aircraft handlers will have any experience of working with jet aircraft this decade, and provide the means to embark US, Italian, or Spanish Harriers this decade. What a shocking state of affairs!
Since the Culdrose Sea Jets are "still in service" (sic), this is not a history and nostalgia topic.
Of course, the idea of regenerating Sea Harrier in response to a crisis is probably a non starter if we are not operating Harriers at all.
