Sōryū is the preferred initial carrier for the Mediterranean, where she could operate alongside Illustrious and Eagle. Haruna would probably join Renown and Ark Royal in Force H, while Kongō and Kirishima reinforce the fast forces based at Scapa Flow. Hiei is still working up after reconstruction, limiting the ships immediately available. Nagato and Mutsu would need further preparation before a likely Mediterranean arrival in 1941. Their 26.5-knot speed gives them useful fleet roles without placing them in the fastest striking forces. Later reinforcements would depend on readiness and losses rather than transferring the entire Japanese fleet at once.
Chapter · 1:31:27-1:34:51
What Japan could send first
Japan could distribute its ready carrier and fast capital ships between the Mediterranean, Force H, and Scapa Flow while preparing later reinforcements.