The reconnaissance aircraft's value lay in searching a huge ocean area and maintaining updated contact. Its radio reports let German commanders converge a wolfpack, much as later Soviet maritime patrol aircraft could supply targeting for long-range missile forces. The Condor did not need to risk a bombing attack if it could keep transmitting the convoy's course and position. Shooting down or driving off the scout therefore broke the enemy's targeting chain before the submarines arrived.
Chapter · 1:02:44-1:05:14
Why the Fw 200 Condor was a targeting threat
A Condor could keep reporting a convoy's position and guide U-boats even without attacking the merchant ships itself.