The industrial challenge behind a German destroyer-cruiser programme

Could Germany have created a credible destroyer-cruiser programme?

Only with a major shift in programme design and purpose; the existing destroyer approach was not built around the demands of an actual war.

The relevant German destroyers are criticized for designs that did not reflect the demands of fighting a real war. A credible destroyer-cruiser force would therefore require a new programme and design philosophy, not a marginal alteration to individual vessels. Conspicuously large guns do not compensate for a low rate of fire or poor chances of hitting the target. Programme purpose, weapon integration, and combat effectiveness must be solved together before the ships become a useful force.