Aircraft
Comprising three Harrier squadrons and 10 helicopter squadrons. Includes the following:

Sea Harrier F/A2: 14
Single seat multi-role day/night all-weather aircraft. Short take-off and vertical landing capability. Has air-to-air missiles including sidewinders. Range of 100 nautical miles from a carrier. Seven are used for air defence and seven for reconnaissance or attack.

Sea Harrier Mk 2/T8: 14
Used for reconnaissance or attack. Similar to a normal harrier.

Merlin HM Mk1: 12
Anti-submarine helicopter. Replacement for the anti-submarine Sea King helicopter. Flown normally by a crew of three. Has maximum mass of 14,600kg, and a top speed of 167 knots. Can carry four homing torpedoes or depth charges, and has sufficient fuel for a radius of operation of over 200 nautical miles.

Sea King HAS 5/6: 31
Anti-submarine helicopter. The spine of the Royal Navy's anti-submarine forces. The helicopters, which have a four strong crew, have sonar systems including buoys, and are integrated with a radar system. It carries the Sting Ray lightweight torpedo and depth charges and a 7.62mm machine gun can be mounted in the doorway.

Lynx HAS 3, HMA 8: 48
Fast and mobile helicopter with a crew of three, which is primarily used for anti-surface and anti-submarine offensives and designed to operate from frigates and destroyers.

Sea King AEW 2: 9
Airborne early warning helicopter. Equipped with powerful radar and can detect low flying aircraft trying to attack surface ships under conventional shipborne radar cover.

Sea King HC4: 29
Commando assault helicopter. The commando version of the helicopter can hold 27 troops and has a range of around 400 miles. It is also able to carry Land Rovers, 105mm guns and air defence missile systems. Has 6,000lbs lift capacity and supports the Royal Marines.

Lynx AH7: 6
An attack and utility version of the Lynx, operated in support of the Royal Marines in conjunction with the Commando Sea King. Fires anti-armour missiles.

Gazelle: 9
Commando assault helicopter. Light helicopter, described as sporty. Used for reconnaissance and communications role and combines with the Lynx attack aircraft in support of the Royal Marines.

Jetstream T2: 7
Light training aircraft.

Jetstream T3: 2
Light training aircraft.

Sea King HAS Mk5: 5
Search and rescue helicopter.