Background
As US forces invaded the Philippines, the IJN committed nearly all its remaining functional ships in a complex, multi-pronged attack to repel the invasion forces.
Strategic Importance
The battle destroyed the IJN as an organized fighting force. It secured the Allied invasion of the Philippines and cut Japan off from vital oil supplies in Southeast Asia.
Naval Forces
Over 280 warships involved in total, making it the largest naval battle in history.
Aviation Forces
Over 1,500 aircraft.
Historical Significance
The largest naval battle in modern history and the first to feature organized kamikaze attacks.