A carrier changes Force Z's information problem

The important change is not an invulnerable task force but better choices. Aircraft could scout instead of forcing surface ships to search for themselves, while a carrier's presence would likely attract the escorts and fighter direction that the historical force lacked. Radar and airborne fighters could detect and break up attacks before bombers reached Prince of Wales and Repulse. A carrier-equipped force could also strike Japanese landing shipping and then withdraw instead of relying on battleships to conduct reconnaissance.