Dunkerque versus Alaska: speed chooses the fight

How would Dunkerque fare against the Alaska class?

Alaska would probably win because its speed advantage lets it choose the engagement, though Dunkerque's forward battery makes it a difficult opponent.

Dunkerque's eight 13-inch guns face Alaska's nine 12-inch guns in this hypothetical comparison. Alaska has a thicker main belt over less of the hull, while a weather deck and splinter deck supplement its thinner armoured deck. Dunkerque can use all its guns facing forward; Alaska needs to turn farther broadside to use its full battery. Alaska's roughly four-knot speed advantage gives it more control over range and timing. Alaska is therefore the preferred winner, but the ships are considered closely matched and the fight would be difficult.