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The UK could do the same. They still have two of their carriers operational, and they have new Amphibious assault ships that are stronger than what they had back then, and decent escorts.

Actually, no. The Brits have a heck of a lot more capability than they did in 1982, but they've recently given up (until the new carriers come online in 2012 or so) what was probably THE critical capability back in '82: the ability to provide organic fighter air cover to their task forces.

With the retirement of the Sea Harrier FA.2 fleet last year the Brits can now only call on the RAF Harrier GRs (7, 7a and 9s), which lack internal radar and the ability to carry AIM-120s. BIG mistake on the Brits part, one they justified partly under the rationale that in future conflicts they would either fight alongside the US, or would operate in environments where organic air cover wasn't needed.

Had they retained the Sea Harrier FA.2 with its Blue Vixen radar AMRAAMs a repeat of '82 where Comrade Hugo decided to come to play would be possible. Without ... the TFs would be easy meat.

Should also add that the Brits could have upgraded their RAF Harriers with either Blue Vixen or the US’s APG-65 (As the US Marines, Italians and Spanish have) ... which would also permit organic air cover capability.

That’s huge.

I really need to get computer Harpoon up and running again, so I can wargame some of the scenarios out there today.

I believe they could get that capabiliuty back quickly. I do not believe the Sea Harriers were destroyed. If so, then they are in even worse trouble.

But, even if they are not and the UK could get them on those carriers...the SU-30s, in well trained hands, would be able, IMHO, to overwhelm the Sea Harriers. They would need our help.

I was shocked when I discovered they retired the Harrier FR2.

However in this scenario South Atlantis cover could be provided from the Falklands and Mid Atlantic cover from Ascension Island by Tornado F3’s or the new Typhoons.