Designing and distributing destroyer flotillas

The programme begins with a new torpedo-boat destroyer whose design target combines 28 knots, three forward four-inch guns, and twin torpedo launchers. As weight rises from 800 to about 1,200 tons, shell load, torpedo size, and reload arrangements become explicit compromises. The resulting class is ordered at the scale of ten flotillas rather than concentrated in one decisive squadron. Flotillas are assigned around the map to protect approaches and impose local costs on an opponent. The large order complements the distributed light-cruiser force and gives distant ports their own fast torpedo defence. The stated logic is deterrence through attrition: if every move risks losing ships, the potential attacker has to reconsider whether the objective is worth pursuing.