Falklands War: Bomber Alley

[danny76]

That is what the recent sabre rattling about the Falklands and Gibraltar have been about as well.

And Gibraltar being a British colony is a distinct economic gain for Spain as it brings a lot of tourism and some trade monies to Spain.

And they'd just get their backsides handed to them again, so doubt they'll do much other than whine

[Slate]

Email took the form of name%server_name.

  I remember learning Punchcards in School in the late 70's. I wrote some simple dos program space game in the early 80's. Amazing how many lines needed for each action. How far we have come.  

[SEraider]

Oil has been found near the Falklands as well.

That reminds me that fresh water is now the new oil.  The world is experiencing unprecedented droughts and that Syrian civil war is partly to do with lack of water in the region.  Assad sold the nations wheat supply and now the farmers are PO'd and without water - they want to take Assad to the wood shed.  That's what I been hearing.

[Rich46yo]

The Cold War is over so why would GB spend all those pounds on building super carriers? Ok they have treaty obligations but they also have a few dozen over seas's territories and have a large stake in off shore oil production. Britain also has many former colonies with a lot of economic interests and citizens living in them.

Of course there is the proud history of the RN, which of course was tasked with the same mission it still is. that was the decision Maggie really had to make, that of whether GB was going to remain a great power and I dont think it would have been possible without a powerful navy able to project power. Its why CVs are still in vogue.

GB could have met its NATO requirements without CVs but they would not have remained a great navy able to project power.

Its no small thing to sail 1/2 across the world, or hemisphere, land troops and provide air cover with floating air bases. Really there have been only 3 navies in all history able to do it.

[Karnak]

I count at least four, more if you want to include the Russians and Indians.  The US, UK, Japan and France certainly all have had that capability at one time or another.  China will soon have it, if you count the level the Russians and Indians had/have as being up to the task.

[GScholz]

Ten nations currently operates aircraft carriers.

The US is currently operating 10 carriers (nuclear powered super-carriers, so there is a marked difference from the rest of the list).

The UK is operating one carrier, with two more under construction.

France is operating one carrier.

Russia is operating one carrier.

Spain is operating one carrier.

India is operating one carrier, with two more under construction.

Italy is operating two carriers.

Brazil is operating one carrier.

China is operating one carrier (mostly for training and research), with one more under construction.

Thailand is operating one carrier.

[Zoney]

Ten nations currently operates aircraft carriers.

The US is currently operating 10 carriers (nuclear powered super-carriers, so there is a marked difference from the rest of the list).

The UK is operating one carrier, with two more under construction. Where it is illegal to carry a toothbrush anywhere on the ship

France is operating one carrier. They just surrendered

Russia is operating one carrier. Everyone on it is drunk

Spain is operating one carrier.They are looking for gold to plunder still

India is operating one carrier, with two more under construction. It is really just a floating phone center

Italy is operating two carriers. It only delivers pizza

Brazil is operating one carrier. Staffed only with Hotties, chartered by the Secret Service

China is operating one carrier (mostly for training and research), with one more under construction. Too easy, not even going to say anything

Thailand is operating one carrier. Constructed with Bamboo and Luan Mahogony

[GScholz]

 

[SEraider]

Thailand is operating one carrier.

Thailand??? The hell you say. 

[danny76]

[GScholz]

Thailand??? The hell you say. 

The flagship of the Royal Thai navy, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet.

[Rich46yo]

I count at least four, more if you want to include the Russians and Indians.  The US, UK, Japan and France certainly all have had that capability at one time or another.  China will soon have it, if you count the level the Russians and Indians had/have as being up to the task.

I forgot France, tho Im not sure of their amphib capability. The Soviets did have a small CV but did they have the amphib capability? If I remember right they used CVs like they used the rest of their surface fleet, in order to clear lanes for their missile subs to break out into the North Atlantic.

I dont think the Indians have the ability to project that type of invasion power so far away and China, tho building, has a very small amphib/marine force. Im not just talking having a CV, or CV type, but the ability to float a powerful ground force to a far away conflict, invade, and provide both support and air power. this takes a powerful amphibious element, CVs with both attack and defensive fighters, helicopters, marines, troop ships, supply ships, offensive and defensive missile/gun platforms. Its far more complicated then just sailing a CV somewheres.