France has a campaign GDP of roughly 578 billion, larger than Britain's headline economy, and fields 367 active ships. Its army is about half the size of Britain's enlarged imperial force. French naval strength lies in light and heavy cruisers, while Britain has more destroyers, torpedo craft, and total hulls. The cruiser concentration makes the composition of the French fleet the important strategic warning and explains why France is becoming the next rival to watch.
Notable Point · 2:25:02-2:27:27
French strength rests on cruisers and economic growth
France's growing economy and cruiser-heavy fleet make it the next strategic rival despite Britain's advantage in destroyers and total force size.