Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:39:39-1:40:07

Why might Australia prefer a Vanguard-type ship?

Existing 15-inch guns and support arrangements could make the Vanguard route cheaper, while Britain retained its King George V and Lion types.

Naval ProcurementRoyal Australian NavyVanguard Class Battleships
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Question

Would Australia prefer a Vanguard-type ship to an improved King George V?

Short answer

Existing 15-inch guns and support arrangements could make the Vanguard route cheaper, while Britain retained its King George V and Lion types.

Notes

The proposal also fits the Australian interest in a battlecruiser-type capability. Reusing established armament offers a practical reason for choosing that route. This is a counterfactual preference, without a claim that Australia had a funded order ready to place.