How Dominion battleships could have changed Singapore's defense

Could additional Dominion battleships have helped Singapore hold in the Second World War?

Potentially, because they could cover secondary duties, release stronger British ships for the Far East, and produce a more capable Force Z rather than defending Singapore alone.

Additional Commonwealth battleships could cover convoy escort and surface-raider duties, freeing newer Royal Navy ships for other tasks. The substitution could work through several levels: an older Dominion ship releases an R-class battleship, which in turn releases a more capable unit. A differently composed Force Z might consequently include stronger ships or a carrier. More naval strength near Singapore could support both defensive and offensive operations and complicate an amphibious attack. Singapore's survival remains a possibility within this counterfactual, dependent on the combined effects of ships, maintenance, infrastructure, and deployment choices.