Cumulative Allied advantage in 1940 and 1941

Keeping the French fleet in service would let the Allies strike harder in 1940 and early 1941 without replacing its lost contribution. Each success could then release forces for another operation. Aircraft, submarines and surface battles would still cause Allied losses. In the favourable branch where later fighting destroyed the remaining German capital ships and Graf Zeppelin, the European naval threat would become chiefly one of submarines and aircraft. Fewer Allied heavy ships would need to remain there, allowing cruisers, carriers and capital ships to reinforce the Far East before Japan began its operations.