Germany planned mass submarine operations against Atlantic convoys, whereas British submarines could work from bases close to enemy supply lanes in the Mediterranean. That geography shortened the journey from harbour to target and changed the number of boats required. British wartime construction was still substantial, but it supported a different operational problem rather than duplicating the German fleet model. The contrast is a reminder that force size follows mission and basing, not just a simple comparison of fleet totals.
Notable Point · 17:49-18:39
Why British submarine requirements differed from Germany's
The Royal Navy did not need Germany's submarine numbers because its likely targets and access to enemy supply routes were different.