Russian fear of Japanese torpedo craft was grounded in earlier wartime losses, but Russia could bring only nine destroyers to Tsushima. Japan deployed 21 destroyers and 45 torpedo boats and could afford losses more readily because it was building and supporting them near home. Their value was not limited to delivering torpedoes. By threatening several directions, light craft could fix an enemy's position, force course changes, and spoil long-range gunnery. The imbalance left Russia's capital ships without the screening and maneuver-shaping tools available to Togo.
Notable Point · 39:29-42:03
Torpedo boats could shape a battle before firing
Japan's light-force depth let it threaten flanks, force course changes, and disrupt Russian return fire even before a torpedo struck.