Looking back to 1935, the recommended force structure for Poland is destroyers, submarines, and torpedo boats. Those mobile combatants are the viable fleet for its constrained waters and resources, while larger ambitions would take too long and still face the same geography. By January 1939 the navy cannot make ships appear from thin air. Polish commanders were alert to German preparations and carried confidence from earlier victories over Soviet forces, but intelligence and morale could not replace industrial time.
Chapter · 6:16-7:40
Destroyers, submarines, and torpedo boats for Poland
A programme begun in 1935 would emphasise destroyers, submarines, and torpedo boats, though even that force cannot overcome Poland's exposed position by 1939.