Soviet fleet development remains uncertain because Stalin repeatedly changed his naval plans. Whatever the final programme, it would influence Japanese and German construction as well as British and Italian calculations around the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Turkey and Greece would also have to respond. A Germany at war with the Soviet Union might need to retain enough ships in the Baltic that fewer would be available to raid British and French sea lanes. The Soviet fleet therefore affects the balance even without a precise forecast of its eventual strength.
Notable Point · 1:06:05-1:07:34
Soviet construction adds uncertainty to the naval race
Uncertain Soviet building plans could stimulate rival construction and force Germany to retain ships in the Baltic.