Q&A · 2:46:09-2:46:52

Would a few Type IX-style Dutch boats change the Pacific war?

A hypothetical handful of advanced long-range Dutch boats would cause extra damage but would not by itself overcome the fleet's shortage of hulls.

Question

What if the Dutch had standardized on a Type IX-like long-range submarine with a snorkel and improved torpedoes?

Short answer

They would gain a few formidable Pacific boats, but too few hulls to alter the wider campaign decisively.

Notes

Platform quality could not solve the shortage of hulls in this scenario. Better range, snorkels, and torpedoes could make several boats dangerous in the Far East. Dutch crews had the skill to exploit that capability against Japanese shipping. Three or four excellent submarines could inflict extra damage without changing the Dutch strategic position.