The Sea Harrier FA2 was specified after the learnings of the Falklands war. A glass cockpit, advanced Blue Vixen radar (formed the basis of the Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR radar), AMRAAM missiles and increased fuel capacity were specified to make a very capable fleet defense aircraft.

Although it had the systems of a second generation Harrier, it was still a first generation Harrier under the skin - 2/3s of the FA2s were rebuild FRS1s. It did not have the improved wing, upgraded engine or lightweight construction of the Harrier II. The Sea Harrier was controversially decommissioned in 2006, to be replaced by Harrier GR9s. Whilst these are more capable and resilient aircraft, the Royal Navy is without any beyond visual range weapons until the 2014 introduction of the F-35.