@TexCapPrezJimmy:
If I am attacking an island that has an air base with defending fighters/TBs, and I declare my battle during the combat movement phase, then the defender has the option of having the planes defend the territory or scramble to defend the sea zone (or a combination of both)? That is to say, if I’m wise (big assumption) I should bring a) enough to the sea zone so that if the defender scrambles all the planes I still get through, and b) enough land units such that if the defender does not scramble I can still take the territory?
If so, wow, what an advantage as a defender.
I agree, Tex. I was wondering the same thing, so am posting so that I will be alerted when there is an answer.
Believe the answer is yes, you have to take enough to win if all fighters and tacs are at sea or over the island. Yes, huge advantage for the defender, but only on islands. I don’t believe you can scramble on non Islands (Australia, California) but apparently you still could on Jap home island. So yes, it seems island + air base + several fighters = very hard to take over, especially since there is no tech (paratroopers).