Q&A · 1:48:19-1:48:45

Did radar invalidate Italian attack doctrine?

Radar strengthened the battle fleet's anti-destroyer and anti-cruiser defenses without producing a one-sided technological result.

Question

Did naval radar invalidate Italian doctrine by preventing small ships from approaching battleships?

Short answer

Radar made rapid-firing defensive guns more effective and small-ship approaches harder, although it also improved the attackers' own fire control.

Notes

Early detection and radar-directed gunnery reduce the surprise and maneuvering advantages on which fast light attackers depend. Rapid-firing anti-cruiser and anti-destroyer weapons become more dangerous when radar supplies timely ranges and bearings. The technology improves shooting on both sides, so its effect is not entirely one-sided. It still makes closing with a radar-equipped battleship force more difficult and dangerous.