Raid on the British fleet at Taranto

The Raid on the British fleet at Taranto in 1940 was a daring aerial attack by Italian aircraft on the Royal Navy's base in Italy. Using converted seaplanes launched from battleships, Italian planes bombed and sank several British battleships, causing significant damage. This surprise attack demonstrated the effectiveness of carrier-based air power and challenged traditional naval strategies, influencing future naval warfare, particularly during World War II. It highlighted how aircraft could now threaten large warships, changing how navies approached maritime defense and attack planning.