The formation of Kido Butai makes carrier capacity a central wartime constraint rather than a secondary experiment. Carriers provide the fast, long-range striking power on which Japan's opening strategy increasingly depends. The proposed answer is an urgent conversion program using liners and any other suitable hulls that can become large, fast carriers. Japan recognizes naval aviation's strategic value while lacking enough time to build purpose-designed flight decks before war.
Notable Point · 8:19-8:45
Expand Kido Butai with rapid carrier conversions
Recognizing carriers as Japan's main instrument of strategic reach, the proposal converts liners and other suitable hulls into fast, large carriers as quickly as possible.