The Kongōs are too recent to discard and still provide useful fast reconnaissance and forward-support capability. Japan could complete modified Tosas, redesign an existing project, or build a fresh 16-inch-gun class, perhaps using triple turrets for efficient firepower. One ship ordered every two years would preserve design and production experience without demanding an unaffordable simultaneous programme. Continued capital-ship construction would also compete with cruiser and carrier programmes for limited industrial capacity, making the navy more balanced but less able to pursue every project at once.
Chapter · 1:22:57-1:32:41
Japan keeps the Kongōs and gains new capital-ship options
Japan can retain the four Kongōs within a separate battlecruiser allowance while using capital-ship tonnage for four new battleships.