Operational naval games and simulations can test how contingent Midway's result was, although many popular games cannot represent the battle's geographic scale. Repeated runs do not make the historical outcome inevitable, yet Japan often suffers more heavily because its formation lacks balance. A stronger counterfactual force would pair added carriers with Kongos, heavy and scouting cruisers, and roughly nine destroyers per division rather than merely enlarging the striking arm. Those extra ships provide antiaircraft fire, scouting, screening, and alternative targets as well as offensive strength. Fleet effectiveness depends on surviving the enemy's attack as well as launching the first or largest strike.
Notable Point · 1:15:15-1:18:50
Simulations expose the value of defensive balance
Repeated Midway simulations do not reproduce one inevitable result, but stronger Japanese screens consistently reduce losses by adding defense as well as attack.