The Swedish Tre Kronor-class cruisers show how a medium navy can add modern capability during the delay. Dutch battlecruiser projects also matter because even partially completed ships could alter the fate and deployment of a Free Dutch fleet after a German invasion. Completed ships might become the core of a Free Dutch force, while vessels fitting out could escape to British yards rather than be lost on the stocks. Sweden and Finland are responding to Soviet pressure, and the Winter War could become a testing ground for British equipment such as Hurricane fighters during the extended peace. Greece and Turkey may seek ships from larger industrial powers, but every German export order would consume scarce yard capacity needed for the Kriegsmarine. The wider naval race therefore changes regional balances in the Baltic and Dutch East Indies as well as the main oceans.
Chapter · 1:29:41-1:33:58
Minor powers join the naval race
Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Greek, Turkish, and other smaller fleets become consequential when a five-year delay gives them time to order, build, and deploy new forces.