Originally Posted by atg
Well, therein lies an inherent tension between the RN and RAF. STRIKE will obviously be conducted, but DCA must be the primary purpose, if only because you can't STRIKE if your airfield is sinking.
Let me add to that....
Surely the presence of a carrier in a maritime task force adds long range weapons and sensors, in much the same way other ships add specific capabilities. Some people seem to forget other things (amphibious forces, ships/helicopters doing ASW, mines countermeasures forces, key logistic ships) also need air defence.
Strike alone will not win the war. As for the idea of relying on ship based anti air capabilities when carrier aircraft are available - WTF?
Originally Posted by HH
We'll know who our allies are, what they are providing , what fixed base air cover there is and the threat level. Given the last 25 years of operations air cover is going to be minimum and strike capability much more important - probably only another Falklands War would see us requiring the opposite balance of capability
Gambler's folly? The last 25 years of operations have been mostly against land locked or nearly land locked opponents with no aircraft and have provided ample warning and preparation time for the West. The strategic sands are shifting - and in a scary way.
glad rag Are you willing to elaborate on your assertion that QEC lacks self defence? What do you think they should have?