Malta was the principal Allied base for operations against Austria-Hungary before Italy entered the war. The French tried to surprise ships enforcing the blockade of Montenegro and won at Antivari, but that success did not open a path to the enemy's main bases. French and Austro-Hungarian forces instead shelled troops, coastal positions, and a French radio station while minefields limited movement. When Italy joined the Allied side in 1915, its navy increasingly led Adriatic operations and the French dispersed to other tasks. Bases, mines, and coastal geography reduced a large battle fleet to a supporting role.
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Bombardment and minefields locked the Adriatic into a coastal stalemate
The early Adriatic campaign became a contest of blockade relief, coastal bombardment, radio stations, and mine-protected waters rather than a decisive fleet battle.