No major navy possessed uniformly supreme submarine technology while the others were simply backward. The Dutch receive particular credit for useful capabilities developed to defend their East Indian empire, while several larger navies produced boats that suited their own requirements. Outcomes also depended on quality control, logistics, infrastructure, and crews rather than machinery alone. German late-war effectiveness declined as losses and rapid expansion spread veteran expertise across more crews. Britain faced a different problem: submarines had to justify resources against alternative striking forces, illustrated by the cumulative effect of Malta's 10th Submarine Flotilla and the more immediately disruptive attacks of Force K.
Notable Point · 22:33-25:13
Technology myths and competing striking forces
National submarine designs had different strengths; their results also depended on crews, logistics, infrastructure, and alternative naval forces.