The United States might complete its South Dakota-class battleships and possibly the Lexington-class battlecruisers before returning to a slower building rhythm. The suggested rate is around four capital ships every two years, rather than another large expansion. Britain would retire its 12-inch-gunned ships, while surviving 13.5-inch ships might be scrapped or distributed among the dominions. If Jellicoe survived the decisive battle, he would be a strong candidate for First Sea Lord and an advocate of fast battleships. With investment in infrastructure, that preference could produce ships different from the G3 or Admiral-class paths.
Chapter · 1:51:56-1:55:17
Jutland's result redirects postwar capital-ship programs
The counterfactual leaves room for completing American capital ships and retiring older British vessels, while Jellicoe's influence could favour new fast battleships.