Why retire Sea Harriers???

For those of you who are not already aware the RN is to retire its Sea Harrier FRS 2 squadrons. In its place will be Harrier GR.9s, which are essentially uprated (engines, avionics) RAF Gr.7s…..This is beleived to be an intermediate action until JSF

GR.9s will be solely Ground Attack aircraft (well unless you count 2x Sidewinders for self defence)and have lack radar. This will leave the RN with no longer range air defence.

Have we forgetten the lessons of the Falklands War already?

I have decided to do submit a report on this issue as part of my degree and I have plenty of reasons arguing against this…

– No Air Defence (and reduced radar coverage/detection)
– No replacement until JSF…..and new carriers
– Sea Harrier airframes still relatively new (may sell on?)
– Retirement of AMRAAMs!!! (Sea Harrier only UK equipped aircraft)
– Pilots need to be retrained (completely different roles)
– GR.7/9 not as suited to carrier ops (not tested long term)

I have also considered alternative Air Defence measures…..

-Improved ship Missile systems (limitations? compared to harriers)
– thats about it!

However can anyone think of arguements in support of the MoDs decision?