Fortified Crete and Malta require a combined Axis invasion

A better-fortified Crete would require the Italian navy, German forces, and their army counterparts to cooperate in a combined assault. Establishing that command and coordinating the forces would reduce the likelihood of an operation being attempted successfully. Malta would impose still greater demands because its terrain offers fewer suitable landing areas. The proposed sequence puts an amphibious landing first, with troops clearing and marking ground for airborne reinforcements. Bulldozers therefore become essential invasion equipment: without prepared landing zones, paratroopers would risk severe injuries on arrival. Destroying the equipment needed to clear those zones would give the defenders another way to disrupt the assault.