Q&A · 17:22-17:44

Could a Japanese fleet operate in the South Atlantic?

The South Atlantic's cold conditions would make it an unattractive operating area for a Japanese fleet already facing difficulties in the Pacific.

Question

Could the Japanese fleet successfully operate in the South Atlantic?

Short answer

The outlook is poor: the South Atlantic's cold conditions would compound the difficulties Japan already faced in the Pacific.

Notes

A Japanese fleet would face a much less forgiving environment in the South Atlantic. Japan's existing difficulties in the Pacific gave little reason for confidence in a deployment into colder and less familiar waters.