Wartime kill mechanisms do not solve the peacetime problem of matching and managing a conspicuous Soviet surface ship. Buccaneers, submarines, and missiles could attack it in war, but none automatically offsets its visible diplomatic effect beforehand. If Britain avoided a new 16-inch gun, it might build a large command cruiser combining County-class missile ideas with 9.2-inch and 4.5-inch guns, a hangar, and extensive flag facilities. The design would serve as a NATO presence and command platform as much as a conventional gunfighter.
Notable Point · 22:16-24:05
A NATO command cruiser as the peacetime answer
A hybrid cruiser with missiles, 9.2-inch guns, aviation facilities, and flagship spaces could counter Soviet presence without relying on nuclear escalation.