A British successor to the Lion class could carry nine 18-inch guns if rival battleships made that increase seem necessary. An alternative would retain 16-inch guns, relying on rate of fire and perhaps longer barrels for greater range. The comparison draws on the argument for rapid-firing 6-inch cruisers against 8-inch opponents, whose heavier shells matter most when range favours them. Neither route is certain in this scenario. Operating 14-, 15-, 16-, and 18-inch ammunition families together would create a substantial supply burden. Transferring older 15-inch ships to Canada and Australia could encourage local shell production and development, providing support for British ships deployed far from home.
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British responses to very large guns and imperial logistics
A successor to Lion could retain 16-inch guns or move to nine 18-inch weapons, with ammunition supply becoming harder as more calibres enter service.