Force Z air cover and carriers

What fighters might an armoured carrier have carried in Southeast Asia, and how would they fare against Japanese aircraft?

Likely Sea Hurricanes and Fulmars. They would have faced Japanese bombers rather than Zeros and could disrupt attacks when combined with radar, fighter direction, and land-based support.

Carrier air cover involved more than fighter-versus-fighter performance. Sea Hurricanes and Fulmars were not ideal interceptors, but they would not have faced Zero fighters during this particular attack. Their immediate task would be to disrupt Nell and Betty bomber formations before coordinated torpedo runs developed. Radar warning and naval fighter direction would position the combat air patrol and give the ships time to bring their antiaircraft defences to readiness. A carrier operating its own fighters would also make coordination with land-based squadrons more practical, multiplying the effect of even a modest air group.