BLUF
The authors argue vulnerable bases and medium-range tankers could undermine air operations in contested theatres. They recommend hardened airfields, adaptive systems and long-range, high-offload aircraft to improve survivability, reach and operational efficiency.Learning Outcomes:
· Analyse aerial refuelling vulnerabilities across contested Indo-Pacific operations.
· Assess tanker range, offload and survivability trade-offs.
· Explain resilient basing and adaptive systems for force projection.
