Japan could send bombers and an expeditionary corps as well as warships, although deploying land forces and aircraft would take longer. Ships bring accommodation, food, maintainers, and much of their support with them, while troops and aircraft require overseas bases and supply chains. Ammunition and fuel still have to reach the naval force, with Britain able to help meet its fuel requirements. North Africa offers the easiest destination for the land and air contribution through a supply route the scenario treats as uninterrupted. The absence of war with Japan also releases Indian Army and other forces that historically fought in Burma. Japanese carrier and aviation development is assumed to remain broadly similar despite the missing combat experience in China. Japan's bomber force is compared with the German and Italian formations, in contrast to British and American emphasis on mass heavy bombers.
Chapter · 26:35-29:13
Warships arrive before Japan's land and air reinforcements
Self-contained warships can deploy before troops and aircraft, while secure routes to North Africa and the absence of fighting in Burma increase the available Allied forces.