Q&A · 1:15:04-1:17:12

A Swedish Baltic force built around large destroyers

A 1920s Swedish force concept favours fast 3,000-ton destroyer leaders, torpedoes, 40 mm guns, and submarines for Baltic warfare.

Question

What could Sweden build in 1923 to make treaty powers take notice?

Short answer

Fast, heavily armed large destroyers with strong torpedo and anti-aircraft batteries would fit Baltic conditions, backed by submarines and a few powerful flotilla leaders.

Notes

The proposed force uses 3,000-ton destroyers as fast light-cruiser-like ships suited to the Baltic's confined waters. Five-inch guns, numerous Swedish 40 mm weapons, and heavy torpedo batteries would let packs threaten much larger intruders. Submarines would add another layer to the local denial force. A few fast 18,000-ton ships with 9.2-inch guns and long range would act as flotilla leaders and diplomatic cruisers, forcing treaty navies to respond with capital ships.