What would you build instead of the Deutschland-class cruisers?
Short answerA faster ship on a related hull with eight-inch guns, more ammunition, and machinery capable of reaching about 30 knots.
NotesThe redesign retains the general hull concept but trades prestige armament for practical raiding performance. Eight-inch guns allow a larger ammunition supply, while a four-shaft arrangement and a target speed around 30 knots improve the ability to choose or escape engagements. The historical 11-inch battery carried too little ammunition and encouraged reliance on torpedoes and secondary guns against merchant targets. Endurance, ammunition economy, and tactical freedom take priority over battleship-caliber weapons.