Fast battle fleets and cruisers need protection from submarines, which increases escort demand as the Italian striking force grows. The same destroyers and escorts are also required to defend the convoys sustaining Axis operations across the Mediterranean. Assigning them to capital ships therefore weakens the supply system even when the battle fleet itself becomes more secure. The Regia Marina was suited to peacetime regional dominance short of a direct contest with Britain, yet wartime commitments made even its substantial fleet too small for all assigned tasks.
Notable Point · 12:12-13:13
Italy's capital ships deepen its escort shortage
The more capital ships and cruisers Italy operates, the more escorts it diverts from the convoys that sustain the Mediterranean war.