Q&A · 12:54-14:03

British operation of Illinois and Kentucky

Buying the unfinished Iowa-class ships could create two fast British battle groups, but national pride makes the deal doubtful.

Iowa Class Battleships Naval Procurement Royal Navy US Navy

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Question

What if Britain bought Illinois and Kentucky instead of completing Vanguard?

Short answer

They could support two fast battle groups, but cost, manpower, and the desire to build a British battleship make the purchase unlikely.

Notes

The ships could share parts and operating knowledge with their American sisters and visibly reinforce Anglo-American cooperation. Their large crews and upkeep would be costly, and Britain would still prefer to complete a battleship of its own.