Italy operated largely within range of its own airfields, making a carrier strike role harder to justify. Land-based aircraft already supplied substantial offensive power in Mediterranean convoy battles. Aquila's stronger case was to provide fighters over the fleet and reconnaissance under naval control. Organic fighters could respond directly to attacks on a task force instead of depending on shore-based coverage. Information routed through separate air-force and naval command chains could arrive too slowly for a task force to act on it.
Notable Point · 24:15-25:35
Aquila's case for reconnaissance and fleet air defence
Italy's land-based strike aircraft reduced the need for a carrier bomber force, while organic fighters and scouts still offered direct protection and timely intelligence.