Italy's usable ship count depends on how the Francesco Caracciolo class is measured against an 80,000-ton allowance. An aggressive claim of roughly 26,000 tons standard displacement might squeeze in three ships, although their loading makes that figure doubtful. Even a smaller completion programme gives Italy a substantially stronger fast battle line. With treaty-approved construction available, later funds are more likely to go toward new ships than extensive reconstructions of older battleships.
Notable Point · 54:52-55:59
Italy could favour new construction over reconstruction
Treaty permission to finish Francesco Caracciolo-class ships could give Italy a modern fast battle line and reduce the appeal of rebuilding older battleships.