A hedge strategy keeps several naval options available because future wars, technologies, and agreements are uncertain. The Royal Navy's interwar submarine policy provides an example: Britain sought an international ban while continuing to build submarines. If negotiations succeeded, the ban would constrain a threat Britain wanted removed. If they failed, the Navy would still possess boats and the experience needed to operate them. Fleet balance is presented here as a way to avoid making the whole force depend on one forecast.
Notable Point · 51:44-53:38
Hedge strategy and balanced fleet design
A balanced fleet can hedge against uncertain threats, as the Royal Navy did by building submarines while seeking an interwar submarine ban.