Q&A · 3:21:59-3:23:22

Which secondary powers could build cruiser carriers?

A treaty-era carrier question asks which navies outside Britain, the United States, and Japan could independently build a 10,000-ton aviation ship.

Question

Which navies outside Britain, the United States, and Japan could build workable 10,000-ton carriers without assistance?

Short answer

France, Italy, and Sweden are plausible; Germany could build the hull but would struggle with treaty limits and institutional control of aircraft.

Notes

France, Italy, and Sweden are identified as plausible builders of 10,000-ton carriers if other navies demonstrate the concept. Sweden's interest in aviation ships makes it a particular possibility. Germany could build a hull of that size, as the Panzerschiff shows, but treaty restrictions would obstruct early construction. Later, Hermann Goering's control of aviation would make aircraft for the navy difficult to obtain. The panel notes that even floatplanes aboard German warships remained under Luftwaffe control.