Hermes was in the South Atlantic hunting German raiders, and her likely Gladiator group offered limited value against the Japanese strike force. Indomitable was the carrier intended to join Admiral Tom Phillips before grounding during work-up sent her for repairs. Her Hurricanes and Fulmars could have combined with land-based Brewster Buffaloes, while her deployment likely would have brought one or two anti-aircraft cruisers and more destroyers. Japanese aircraft would then have faced fighter interception, broken-up attacks, and a heavier anti-aircraft screen before reaching Prince of Wales and Repulse. None of this guarantees survival; it defines how different the tactical problem might have been.
Notable Point · 3:36-7:42
Hermes, Indomitable, and Force Z air cover
Hermes offered little useful air power, while Indomitable could have added Hurricanes, Fulmars, escorts, and a combat air patrol.