Dutch battlecruiser studies belonged to a naval leadership effort to reverse a submarine-centered fleet policy. A stronger surface force would support an economic-war strategy against Japan rather than rely only on local underwater defense. Dutch planners appear to have studied the British approach and adapted it to the defense of their own interests. The proposed ships formed part of a strategic concept instead of standing as isolated prestige designs.
Notable Point · 3:07:02-3:07:30
Dutch battlecruisers as part of an economic-war fleet
The Dutch interest in battlecruisers accompanied a proposed shift from a submarine-centered defense toward surface economic warfare against Japan.