Q&A · 3:33:41-3:35:39

If Germany bought Ryujo for carrier experience

A German carrier-training purchase would signal serious naval-aviation intent and provoke a stronger British carrier response before the Norwegian campaign.

Question

What if Germany bought Ryujo from Japan in 1935 to gain carrier experience?

Short answer

Britain would treat it as a major warning, build and operate more carriers together, and prepare differently for Norway and German naval aviation.

Notes

In this counterfactual, buying Ryujo for experience signals greater German emphasis on carriers. Britain would respond with more carrier construction once treaty rules allowed it. British carriers could operate in pairs as task forces against German naval aviation, replacing independent anti-submarine employment. Off Norway, that creates the prospect of a carrier-on-carrier battle.