Raeder wanted a balanced fleet because a single German threat would let Britain concentrate on a correspondingly narrow response. Surface raiders required anti-surface protection alongside measures against submarines and aircraft. The Deutschland class offered Baltic utility, long-range presence and six 11-inch guns, but its slow main-battery fire and secondary arrangement were poorly suited to rapidly maneuvering opponents. Admiral Hipper presented a different problem: its displacement bought too little additional firepower, protection and capability compared with cruisers such as the New Orleans class. Divided design responsibility compounded these compromises by leaving too many committees involved and too little authority with an accountable designer and supervising naval officer.
Notable Point · 38:01-48:19
Why Raeder wanted a balanced German fleet
A balanced German fleet complicated British deployments, while the Deutschland and Admiral Hipper classes carried different design compromises that limited their effectiveness.