Sorry Jonesy but aircraft on deck even at +5 is not fast effects. You say the French were getting aircraft over the target in 20mins- but the Libyans were setting up, firing and moving in less than that. Sometimes you need an engagement cycle measured in seconds or at least a few minutes. Depending upon the ROE, a n F-35 loitering allows you to do that.
With CATOBAR, for most campaigns, I suspect that the US will quite happily base an AEW a/c or two on a QEC, I’m sure COD could be available too if needed. That US only compartment isn’t there just because its the only place the USN could get a drink
As for the Argies, AEW or not, I am prepared to bet fairly heavily that whilst we have decent AAW escorts, our SSNs and a QEC with aircraft, that they won’t go anywhere near the FI. Why? because not only could we retake the islands, we could also systematically destroy their military infrastructure through a combination of TLAM (or successor) and F-35 strikes along the way. Look how they reacted to one long range Vulcan strike last time.
The point is who tells the c who to hit at 700 miles? And how many do you need to loiter at that range? Are suggesting the ability to have a single C loiter at max range is a war winner?? Or would it be irrelavent
As to your second point what if the yanks dont supply AEW and we have to pay for it or just don’t have it?
The libyans set up and fire in less then 20 mins, just how far away from their fire point would be these obvious artillery pieces (for instance) be? 200m 500m maybe a km with a metalled (ie easily followed road) so their still dead.
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