German preference for attacking capital ships and carriers would strengthen the case for British carrier construction and protection. A carrier can serve as the fleet's core while supporting the other ships around it. Its air group provides strike power and extends air defence, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine coverage beyond the ships' own sensors and guns. Those layers enlarge the task group's reach and create a defensive onion that can intercept guidance aircraft before they launch or settle into control. A weapon designed to kill carriers could therefore strengthen the strategic case for retaining them.
Notable Point · 38:21-39:25
Carrier air groups widen the task group's defensive onion
The carrier is both a fleet core and support asset because its aircraft extend strike, air-defence, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine coverage.