How Soviet naval ambition could fuel an international arms race

The Home Fleet could watch Soviet forces in the Baltic and north, while British control of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal constrained Black Sea access. The greater pressure came indirectly. A Soviet Pacific fleet could drive Japanese expansion, while Soviet strength in Europe could spur Germany and bring American, French, Italian, and British reactions in turn. Programmes such as the Lion-class battleships and Audacious-class carriers might survive or accelerate. Each country's response would give the next navy another reason to expand.