Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 10:42:17-10:42:54

What could Japan send against the hypothetical Alaska group?

The response distinguishes the firepower needed to oppose the group from the speed needed to catch it.

Alaska Class Large CruisersAlternate HistoryKongo Class BattlecruisersNagato Class BattleshipsYamato Class Battleships
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Question

What Japanese force could counter the hypothetical Alaska-led ABDA group?

Short answer

Battleships would be considered, with the four Kongos emphasized because they might catch the Alaskas when Nagato and Mutsu could not.

Notes

The hypothetical group's firepower prompts suggestions of the four Kongos or Japanese battleships such as Yamato, Musashi, Nagato, and Mutsu. A follow-up then asks whether Nagato and Mutsu could catch the Alaskas if the latter refused battle. Neither is expected to catch the fleeing Alaskas. The faster Kongo option therefore receives greater emphasis as a force with a chance of bringing them to action.