It is wonderful that the UK dispatched its small aircraft carrier, which will benefit from the protection of other NATO vessels. It is intended for the eastern European threat, and will be of no use to the Falklands. The RN also had to deploy support/protection vessels to protect its aircraft carrier. If anything it means that there are fewer resources available for the Falklands. What aircraft will the RAF deploy? The Typhoon FGR Mk4 is not appropriate for long range bombing missions. It has a light payload, usually carrying 4 Paveways, or 1 cruise missile. Refueling an ordinance laden aircraft is not an easy task, and is very high risk, even in the best of operating conditions. The Tyfoons have a range of about 1400 kms. It's 13,000 km between the UK and the Falkland islands. There were 4 Typhoons stationed in the Falklands. (I don't know if they are still there.) The UK has listed 107 Typfoons of which less than 70 may be available on any given day. The RAF really cannot afford to lose any more of the aircraft. The UK is no longer a military power, nor a nation of influence. It is a middle sized country with a weak economy, a fragmented society and a lot of self delusion.
