I would suggest that for a USN CVN wing including AAR, AEW, COD, Ew etc; then it might well be seen as "supporting".
But for a planned planned RN wing of 12 aircraft, a force of "persistent Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance and Strike" UAS would be able to perform all required tasks except AD and to propose the loyal toast in Taranto night.
And if I was worried about organic AD it wouldn't go to sea without an effective AEW and with an aircraft with a limited load of AAW Mx...
Last edited by ORAC; 4th Sep 2011 at 20:48.