What if Force Z met the Nagato sisters instead of Japanese aircraft?
Short answerForce Z would withdraw at high speed, perhaps exchanging fire, because it could not profitably fight two 16-inch battleships.
NotesPrince of Wales could not sensibly fight both Nagato-class battleships alone. Repulse's battlecruiser protection makes a sustained action against their 16-inch guns unattractive. Both British ships have the speed to get away. An exchange of gunfire is possible during withdrawal, but the objective would be to disengage as quickly as possible.