Armament suited to a large carrier escort

Nine 12-inch/50 guns gave the class a decisive advantage over normal heavy cruisers. Six twin 5-inch/38 mounts provided a strong dual-purpose battery, with splinter protection rather than heavily armoured turrets. Fourteen quadruple Bofors mounts supplied fifty-six 40 mm guns, backed by thirty-four single 20 mm Oerlikons. Kingfisher floatplanes and an amidships hangar suited independent scouting. That aviation facility had less value beside a carrier, whose aircraft could perform the reconnaissance. The main battery also suited the pursuit of Deutschland-class ships and other large cruisers. The Deutschlands' 11-inch guns encouraged the press label "pocket battleships", although their design is treated here as that of a cruiser.