Confinement to the Mediterranean did not remove the need for carrier aviation, as carriers later demonstrated their operational value there. France also had scattered overseas responsibilities, so the length of its European coastline could not define all its naval requirements. Béarn provided an inadequate answer to those needs. Once rivals gained carrier scouting and striking advantages, comparable capability became necessary to avoid entering a war at a structural disadvantage.
Notable Point · 1:06:45-1:09:09
Mediterranean and overseas carrier requirements
The claim that regional navies did not need carriers is tested against Mediterranean warfare, French overseas commitments, and competitive pressure from other fleets.