The proposal pairs quickly converted auxiliary cruisers such as Kormoran with a revived Panzerschiff program for fast, long-range armoured raiders. New ships would use Germany's available eight-inch guns, radar, and aircraft reconnaissance to remain effective commerce threats. Merchant conversions could appear in the short term while purpose-built ships followed later if German yards could complete them. Rearming Lützow, the former Deutschland, and Admiral Scheer with eight-inch guns might save enough weight to increase their speed. Together, the conversions and rearmed Panzerschiffe would sustain a surface threat that compelled the Allies to divert more than specialist ASW escorts.
Chapter · 15:45-17:51
Restore German surface raiding with Panzerschiffe
Long-range eight-inch-gun Panzerschiffe and converted merchant raiders could preserve a surface threat while Germany expanded its submarine force.