Standard external fit for the Sea Harriers on Southern Watch include AMRAAMs under the fuselage, droptanks underwing and refuelling probe above the port engine intake.

Dawn in the Arabian Gulf and crews prepare two 800 NAS Sea Harriers for the first sortie of the day.

A Sea Harrier launches from Invincible as a Sea King acts as plane guard and the frigate HMS Cumberland watches for unexpected visitors.

Armed with AMRAAMs, a Sea Harrier FA2 of No 800 Naval Air Sqn roars off from Invincible’s ramp for another patrol over southern Iraq.

Below decks, AEO Lt Cdr Ian Reason discusses a point about a Sea Harrier’s cockpit with a member of the maintenance crew.

A Flight, No 849 NAS, deploys Sea King AEW.2 airborne early warning helicopters aboard Invincible; ZD636 powers up to undertake another patrol.

While the Broadsword class frigate HMS Cumberland acts as Invincible’s defensive escort, Sea Kings provide the carrier’s antisubmarine defence.