French North African airfields would provide fighter and anti-submarine support along the western convoy route. Ships would still face an exposed leg off Libya before Egyptian air cover became available farther east. Malta could also receive supplies from Tunisia on an overnight return trip. Carriers might still accompany major convoys, although nearby land bases would make their task easier.
Notable Point · 1:28:31-1:29:32
French North African airfields shorten the Malta supply problem
Airfields along the French North African coast provide fighter and anti-submarine cover, while Tunisia turns Malta resupply into a short shuttle.