Norway and France probably still fall, but better carrier support and fleet air defence could reduce British losses during those campaigns. Norway remains vulnerable because its government delays defensive mobilisation even after Germany moves against Denmark, despite the extra naval aviation available in this scenario. Earlier and wider air coverage would also increase pressure on U-boats during the relatively small German submarine force's first years. In the Mediterranean, heavier damage at Taranto could weaken Italian cover for Crete and North African convoys, making Malta easier to supply from Alexandria. Those changes might free British battleships and carriers for the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, or deterrence against Japan, showing how naval aviation in one theatre reshapes force allocation elsewhere.
Chapter · 1:41:20-1:47:12
Carrier aviation changes the Mediterranean campaign system
Reduced carrier losses and a weaker Italian battle fleet could affect Crete, Malta, North African supply, British capital-ship deployment, and early U-boat pressure as one connected campaign system.