Q&A · 1:00:52-1:01:08

An enlarged Kriegsmarine still needs a support system

A sudden transfer of French- and Italian-scale naval strength creates the possibility of a fleet battle alongside a much larger support burden.

Question

Could the Kriegsmarine fight a Jutland-scale action if it suddenly gained a fleet comparable to the prewar French and Italian navies?

Short answer

It could force that kind of battle, but sustaining the enlarged fleet would be a logistical nightmare.

Notes

The premise gives Germany a fleet comparable to the combined prewar French and Italian navies. That would make a major fleet action possible in the scenario. Supporting such a suddenly enlarged force would still be a logistical problem, so the extra ships do not settle the outcome by themselves.