Dominion flagships as status symbols and British orders

HMAS Australia may still age out before its replacement arrives, because Australia can use the existing ship while other Dominions receive priority. Treaty recognition nevertheless gives every Dominion a powerful political incentive to claim its authorized flagship. British financing, design support, and imperial ties would probably direct those orders to British yards. The ships would advertise each Dominion's arrival on the international stage while supporting British employment and technical capacity. For firms such as Vickers and Armstrong, a capital ship is also a prestige product that attracts foreign customers who may ultimately buy the more profitable cruisers displayed beside it.