Q&A · 3:32:29-3:33:00

I-400-launched V-1 attacks would divert American defenses

San Francisco and Seattle offer accessible targets, but the strategic effect would be defensive diversion rather than decisive destruction.

Question

Which cities could completed I-400 submarines target if armed with V-1 flying bombs instead of aircraft?

Short answer

San Francisco and Seattle are the likeliest targets, creating damage and alarm while diverting American defenses toward the coast.

Notes

A completed I-400 force armed with V-1 flying bombs would choose large, easily located West Coast targets. San Francisco and Seattle are the leading examples because submarines could approach them without crossing the continent. The attacks would damage cities and create alarm, although the V-1 payload was too small to decide the war. Their more important effect would be forcing the United States to move aircraft, patrols, and air-defense resources toward the coast. American anti-submarine forces would also make destroying the launch boats a high priority.