By Jimlad:
"I still maintain that having looked at the size and capability RN CAGS since the war, the combined FA2 / GR7 airwings we put out in the late 90s, along with ASACs, Merlin, new escorts and good AORs were probably the single most capable carrier airwing the UK has ever operated".
Given the time, the technology available to us & the technology of the potential opposition, I'd suggest that the (old) Ark's CAG of Buccanneer, Phantom, Gannet & Sea King was probably the most capable air wing the UK has ever operated. But it's just an opinion!