Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:25:56-2:27:47

Could a Swedish coastal-defence battleship challenge Hoche?

A Swedish coastal-defence battleship is considered a plausible challenger, but the fleet-specific comparison remains unresolved.

Coastal Defence ShipsFrench Battleship HocheSwedish Navy
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Question

Could a Swedish coastal-defence battleship of the same era have a chance against Hoche?

Short answer

Yes, but no Swedish class is identified and the later claim that Hoche could defeat Sweden's leading ships remains disputed.

Notes

A Swedish coastal-defence battleship of Hoche's era is accepted as having a chance against her. A later claim that Hoche would defeat Sweden's most advanced warships around 1890 meets disagreement. One participant declines a firm comparison because he does not know the composition of the Swedish fleet at that date. No Swedish class is identified, so the matchup remains general and qualified.