The German Navy of 1939-1940 had technically interesting ships but lacked peak U-boat numbers and possessed few heavy units compared with the Royal Navy. Its destroyer force also suffered severe losses during the Norwegian campaign and never fully recovered its earlier strength. Italy entered the war with a far more substantial and capable fleet whose officers and sailors were committed to their service. Britain could try to contain Germany around northern exits, whereas Italy was already positioned inside Britain's principal imperial sea route.
Notable Point · 30:28-32:16
The Kriegsmarine and Italian Navy posed different threats
Germany fielded interesting but scarce surface units, while Italy brought a larger capable fleet into a strategically central sea.