Technological knowledge and operational deployment were separate problems. Japan had radar research, but had not scaled production or installed sets across the attacking fleet in the way needed for reliable warning. Britain expanded radar manufacture despite bombing and later accepted American sets when they became available. Allied technical sharing and closely linked production then narrowed differences between British and American equipment. Combined with limited Japanese night-flying capacity, the 1941 attacking force remains dependent on visual detection during the proposed encounter.
Notable Point · 10:16-11:55
Japanese radar and night-flying limitations in 1941
A scout could exploit the Kido Butai's lack of fleet-wide radar and mass night-flying capability, though Japan was developing radar science.