Greece was beating Italy rather than merely awaiting defeat, which helps explain contemporary confidence. Greek success had forced the Italians onto the defensive and helped draw Germany toward intervention. Even so, the Greek fleet lacked enough submarines and minelaying capacity for the wider danger it faced. A rapid program of building and laying mines throughout the Adriatic and nearby waters could have turned relatively cheap weapons into a serious barrier to Axis movement.
Notable Point · 5:12-6:24
Mines and submarines for Greek sea denial
Greek success on land did not erase its naval shortfalls; mines, minelayers, and submarines could make surrounding waters costly for Axis forces.