For instance the Navy's T-8M Blue Fox Hunters would presumably have been useful?
In the mid 60s, some of the RN Hunter T8s (conventional model) were seemingly assigned to the "Air Defence of the UK."
Me and our Tame Crab were fingered to take a T8 with 4 x 100 gal drops (first problem – C of G ) from BY to Lossie to partake in a major UKAdex.
We launched from LM on an heroic GCI mission and found ourselves chasing a Vulcan inbound, way out over the North Sea. He was at 60 – easy . We were at 40 - staggering. (Second problem – gross optimism)
While we were considering (over a period of many minutes – whilst noticeably falling behind) whether there was any kind of manoeuvre that might allow us to bring our Main Armament to bear (a single ADEN) we observed a Lightning streaking in way overhead to take out our target.
It didn't seem sporting to complain that he'd "nicked our bird" and we were on different frequencies anyway, so we couldn't thank him. We returned to base (non-nuked – courtesy of the Lightning) and claimed we'd been on a boring Weather Recce. (Third problem – no-one believed us.)
On the real olden days, it was alleged that the RAN Sea Venoms (with lock-on radar but only 20mm cannon) would carry up to three Avon Sabres into battle with their Sidewinders. This was alleged to take place even in IMC which allegedly created something of a challenge for the Fire Control Officer as well as for the hangers-on.
LFH