MALTE is it possible to defend?

[Rodimstev]

hi all,

i need to have some advinces to defend Malte. in my first MP game, i less the AA divisions and use CV to defend (2 CV).

not a success.

In my second MP game, i changed the AA divisions with a rifle corps with 1 in AA, used 2 CV around the island, but the axis played used

all his bombers and in 1 turn, destroyed the corps..;

So How is it possible to defend Malte?

thanks a lot

Rodim

[Taxman66]

Against a determined Axis player, I don't think you can save it. All you can do is make it cost some extra time and perhaps hot some of the Italian Navy.

1. Research AA level 2 early.
2. Upgrade the AA unit AND the town.
3. If the AA research completes before it's too late, upgrade the AA and town again.
4. If the Germans are using level 2 ground attack bombers he doesn't have to use the Italian fleet. But if he does, to either blockade the ports or bombard the ports/town you can try and snipe at them. Be careful though as he could turn aro7nd and go after your fleet if it is in range of the bombers.

[ivanov]

The key is not to allow the Italian Navy to damage the supply and block the port. So send in Royal Navy. If you won't allow the Italians to bombard the supply and have two carriers providing the air cover, then the German air units would suffer heavy loses attacking the island. You can also attack the German air units on Sicily with your navy. With a bit of luck, the air-naval battle over Malta can turn into a quagmire for the Axis and would affect their actions elsewhere.

[Taxman66]

Of course if yhe luck goes the other way, your navy will pay a heavy price.

[ivanov]

Sir, Royal Navy is too proud to be afraid of some Italians!

[Taxman66]

It isn't the Italians (RM) so much, though once the locations of the RN are known they can cause more damage than they take.

It's the bombers taking a pause from hitting Malta to wreck the RN. The Luftwaffe can afford a couple of fighters to escort the bombers as they aren't needed in the USSR yet.

[ivanov]

Well, the range of LW aircraft is usually not that great, so you have to move the RN warships proactively. Having them immobile close to Mala, would be suicidal.

[Taxman66]

The RN carriers have to be close if you want to use them to intercept the bombers.

If you just want to use them against ships blockading the ports that's possible, I guess. In that case don't take the 2nd air strike, you won't be able to move far enough away.

Also be alert to the possible presence of an axis Maritime bomber that can find you.

[crispy131313]

The short answer is no there is no way to defend Malta if Germany re-directs the historic forces dedicated to the Battle of Britain and instead focus on Malta (seems legit). Even with an elite 13 strength Anti-Air unit Malta can be captured by a dedicated attack.

[Taxman66]

As I stated earlier in the thread.