Q&A · 2:34:16-2:34:50

Japanese radar parity in Pacific night battles

Radar equal to the US Navy's would combine Japanese night-fighting skill and long-range torpedoes with much better detection.

Question

How different would the Pacific War be if Japan had radar equal to the US Navy's?

Short answer

Night battles would be much more dangerous for American forces and the war could last longer.

Notes

Radar parity would let Japanese and American formations detect one another more evenly in darkness. The US Navy would lose a major information advantage without removing Japan's established night-fighting skill. American ships would also continue to face the reach of Long Lance torpedoes. Night engagements would probably be bloodier for the United States and could lengthen the Pacific War.