Foreign ironclads and cruisers as British design comparisons

Which foreign warship designs would be worth licensing for Britain in the decades before World War I?

The suggestions favor foreign central-battery ironclads, compact German turret ships, Fürst Bismarck, and Von der Tann for operational uses and access to rival design practice.

This procurement exercise asks what Britain would gain by licensing a foreign warship design. For the 1860s, a French central-battery ironclad would allow close examination of French practice; the 1870s choice is the large Ottoman Mesudiye, even though she was built in Britain. Compact German turret ships are proposed for the 1880s as overseas flagships able to use Britain's coaling network. Fürst Bismarck is the 1890s choice for her armament and the chance to inspect German guns, turrets, and armored-cruiser construction. She is also suggested as a flagship for the China Station or South Pacific. For the 1900s, Von der Tann would provide a direct comparison with Britain's Invincible class. The choices combine operational uses with the opportunity to examine foreign design decisions.