Much of the historical shipbuilding programme would remain, but orders would be placed sooner. The larger departure would be a faster programme of upgrades for older battleships and cruisers. Converting as many suitable hulls as possible into stronger anti-aircraft ships would add immediately useful fleet protection. Financial freedom would chiefly buy modernization speed rather than a wholly new fleet plan.
Notable Point · 41:04-41:40
Using extra funds for anti-aircraft modernization
Rather than redesign the entire fleet, extra pre-war money would accelerate existing ship orders and convert older capital ships and cruisers for anti-aircraft work.