France and Italy also have reasons to copy a proven cruiser-carrier design. Their treaty allowances were much smaller than the British or American totals, making full-size carriers especially expensive in opportunity cost. For the Italian navy, a limited scouting mission and a small fighter group might also be easier to defend politically against an air force protective of its role. The ship could keep reconnaissance aircraft with the fleet instead of relying on land bases. A smaller hull, air group, and mission statement therefore offer both a budgetary and an institutional path into carrier aviation.
Notable Point · 54:33-55:34
France and Italy gain a politically manageable carrier option
A small carrier fits limited national tonnage allowances and can be justified as an organic scouting platform rather than a full fleet carrier.