The proposed treaty alternative rests on a continuous, moderate flow of warship orders. Its example calls for roughly two battleships every two years, with carrier and cruiser programs adding further demand without requiring a sudden building spree. Regular construction sustains the makers of ammunition, armour, steel, and specialist components while maintaining competition and spare capacity. County-class cruiser orders helped preserve some British industrial capability, but Nelson and Rodney were a one-off pair and cruiser armour did not require the volume needed for recurring battleship construction. Peacetime procurement also keeps production available when wartime demand arrives. Competing suppliers leave useful spare capacity that can expand when war increases both new-build and repair requirements.
Chapter · 23:41-26:13
The steady drumbeat of naval orders
Regular, moderate naval orders can preserve the industrial skills and spare capacity needed to build, repair, and rearm in war.
Aircraft Carrier ConstructionAmmunition ProductionArmour ProductionCounty Class CruisersCruiser ConstructionDefence BudgetingHMS NelsonHMS RodneyIndustrial CompetitionIndustrial MobilisationNaval Industrial BaseNaval InfrastructureNaval ProcurementNelson Class BattleshipsRoyal NavyShipbuilding IndustrySteel ProductionSupply ChainsSurge CapacityWarship ConstructionWashington Naval Treaty