An early replacement bargain could have produced four F3s

The proposed treaty bargain would exchange Britain's claim to new 16-inch ships for permission to replace Renown and Repulse early. Their speed and armament remained useful, but their protection was weaker than that of the Queen Elizabeths, R-class and Hood even after the addition of nine-inch armour. Early-replacement provisions granted to France and Italy supply the suggested precedent. Two F3s in place of Nelson and Rodney, followed by two more to replace the Renowns, would leave four F3s alongside Hood. Five fast capital ships could ordinarily support a four-ship operational division while one was unavailable. The scenario would also give Britain a fleet with more consistent protection and 15-inch armament, but depends on a negotiated concession that was never obtained.