How would Germany and Britain react if Japan announced the Yamato class before the outbreak of war?
Short answerBritain would accelerate larger Lions and heavy-gun work, while Germany would rush toward the H class despite severe industrial constraints.
NotesBritain would likely accelerate the Lion class, possibly with twelve 16-inch guns, while urgently revisiting 18-inch weapons. Hitler would see Bismarck and Tirpitz eclipsed before completion and demand an H-class response. German industry would struggle with the additional demand because yards were already being enlarged around ships under construction. Whether war could be postponed long enough to build the response remains a separate uncertainty.