The Trento class introduces a problem that extended beyond its coupled gun mountings. Italian naval ammunition had suffered from poor quality control since the First World War, so inconsistent shells could undermine the accuracy promised by the gun design. Mussolini's regime did not solve this manufacturing problem because it concentrated on impressive equipment more than the infrastructure and supplies behind it. A fast cruiser with heavy guns still depended on consistent ammunition and industrial support.
Notable Point · 26:49-28:24
Ammunition quality and the limits of Fascist modernization
Persistent ammunition-quality problems showed how spectacular warships could outpace the industrial controls and supply systems needed to make their guns effective.