The Japanese launched 353 aircraft in the two main attack waves against Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The aircraft came from six aircraft carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s First Air Fleet. The first wave contained 183 aircraft, while the second wave consisted of 171 aircraft, with one first-wave aircraft returning to its carrier before completing its mission. Together, these operations produced the commonly cited total of 353 launched aircraft.
The force included torpedo bombers, high-level bombers, dive bombers, and fighters. Their targets included battleships, airfields, fuel facilities, and other military installations on Oahu.
A common mix-up is confusing the 353 aircraft launched with the number that actually reached their targets. Some aircraft turned back, were lost, or performed reconnaissance and escort duties. Japanese losses during the attack included 29 aircraft destroyed and several damaged.