Italian submarine planning began with the prewar balance against France. Although treaty rules allowed comparable fleet totals, France had Atlantic, Mediterranean, and imperial commitments that dispersed its ships. Italy could concentrate more of its navy near home waters and use submarines to make the Strait of Gibraltar dangerous for French reinforcements. Geography and overseas obligations could therefore matter as much as headline fleet size.
Notable Point · 4:23-6:07
Geography let Italy concentrate against a divided French fleet
Italy expected submarines near Gibraltar to impede French reinforcement from the Atlantic while the Regia Marina concentrated most of its strength in the Mediterranean.