What an Axis invasion of Malta would require

How could Axis forces attack Malta, especially if the island had received its full planned aircraft, guns, and naval strike force?

They would need mines, Marines, heavy naval cover, artillery, and a willingness to accept severe losses because Malta offered few usable beaches, cliff-bound exits, fortified airfields, and artillery-covered approaches.

Land-mounted 15-inch guns could exploit their maximum range through higher elevation. An Axis commander would still need mines, Marines, heavy ships, and large forces, yet the island offers few beaches wide enough for a major landing. Many approaches climb into cliffs, forts, woods, and pre-sighted artillery zones, while the airfields lie inland and were themselves fortified. Achieving a landing would leave the harder problem of moving, reinforcing, and surviving ashore.