IT - Zara Class Cruiser Summary

The Zara heavy cruiser class consisted of 4 ships built for the Italian Royal Navy in the late 1920s and the early 1930s. They carried a main battery of eight 203 mm (8.0 in) guns and had a maximum speed of 32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph). The ships were a substantial improvement over previous Italian cruiser designs by incorporating significantly heavier armor protection, and were considered some of the best-protected heavy cruisers built by any navy in the 1930s. The extra armor was added by violating the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty, which specifically limited cruiser displacement.

All four ships saw extensive action in the Mediterranean against British forces. Three (Zara, Pola, and Fiume) were sunk in the battle of Cape Matapan, while 
Gorizia was seriously damaged by American heavy bombers in April 1943 and towed to La Spezia, where she was still under repair when Italy surrendered in September.

Note: Italian fleet pieces are in high demand. Capital ships (CV, BB & CA) are scarce and not always available. Be sure to check first with us before placing your order at info@axisandalliesboardgaming.com.

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