Force allocation becomes a system-wide consequence of better naval aviation. If Taranto, convoy interdiction, and Malta's supply position reduce the Italian threat, the modernized Queen Elizabeth-class ships could return to home waters while Rodney, Nelson, Renown, Repulse, and carriers reinforce the western Indian Ocean as a deterrent to Japan. Older or unmodernized battleships could cover lower-risk duties, with submarines and a blocking force at Gibraltar containing the western Mediterranean. Mers-el-Kébir and French surrender could still occur, but more carriers and different convoy routes would change what the Gibraltar force must do. These deployments are illustrative rather than predictions, showing how success in one theatre releases scarce capital ships for another.
Notable Point · 1:43:56-1:46:52
Mediterranean success redistributes British capital ships
A weaker Italian fleet and safer supply routes could shift modernized battleships and carriers toward the Atlantic and Indian Ocean while lighter forces contain the Mediterranean.