Long-range raiders and Atlantic replenishment

The proposed diesel fleet makes every successful breakout difficult to contain because even smaller ships could travel far from home. A 10,000-nautical-mile endurance is used to illustrate access across the Atlantic. That is voyage range, with replenishment still needed to extend operations. Altmark's support for Graf Spee supplies the example of an oiler helping a raider remain at sea. The strategic claim is that such endurance would force Britain to search and protect trade over a much larger area. Reduced friction over fuel and construction priorities is also expected to give German naval leaders more political freedom.