In this counterfactual, Keyes would press for Hermes or another carrier with fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, even if a fleet carrier remained unavailable. A strike air group would not be essential to this first assignment. The proposed defense rests on the premise that the Japanese attackers had sacrificed defensive guns for range and operated without fighter escort, leaving them vulnerable even to modest fighter opposition. Sea Gladiators, early Wildcats and Buffaloes are considered possible aircraft, rather than treating Swordfish as fighters. Keyes could also encourage repairs and refits at Bombay and other Indian facilities so that ships remained in the region if fighting began.
Notable Point · 2:54:51-2:57:08
A small carrier and regional repairs for Force Z
Even a modest fighter detachment could matter to Force Z, while Indian repair facilities could keep useful ships within reach of the Far East.