A June announcement of Japanese participation would probably produce a worked-up Mediterranean force by August, leaving further preparation time before Taranto. Three carriers could share operations and maintenance, making an October attack possible instead of the historical November timing. The proposed October date is 21 October, Trafalgar Day. The British and Japanese fighter force comprises four Sea Gladiators, fifteen Fulmars, and twenty-one Zeros. Soryu contributes eighteen Val dive bombers and eighteen Kate torpedo bombers, alongside thirty-six British Swordfish. Optional American participation adds eighteen Brewster Buffaloes, thirty-six Helldivers, and eighteen Devastators, with the American air group modelled around Yorktown's contemporary complement.
Notable Point · 1:14:32-1:18:29
Carrier readiness and aircraft numbers reshape the Taranto plan
An August arrival gives Japanese ships time to work up before an October or November attack, with larger air groups and optional American reinforcement.