Why can naval capability appear to grow suddenly?

Why are some countries suddenly doing well in naval capability?

Their apparent surge reflects decisions and continuous construction over decades. Active shipyards and successive workable classes give a navy the platforms, industrial capacity, and experience needed to expand.

A navy's apparent surge in capability can reflect decisions made 20, 25, or 30 years earlier. The argument traces Japan's foundations tentatively to 1948 or before. Continuing construction supplies platforms to which later systems and supporting capabilities can be added. Britain and the United States illustrate the difficulties of seeking frigates after the necessary construction pattern has been disrupted.