A Hudson Institute report argues the USAF should prioritize hardened, tanker-sized aircraft shelters and more resilient bulk fuel storage/distribution (smaller hardened stores, over-the-shore systems, maritime tanker access) over simply buying more advanced tankers. It also recommends adding adaptive mission systems (comms/self-protection upgrades) to existing KC-135/KC-46 fleets and pursuing a blended-wing-body next-gen tanker concept. This is a doctrinal/logistics shift toward base hardening and survivable sustainment under persistent ISR and precision strike threats.
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doctrineside: natofirst seen 2024-01-01
Study urges hardened tanker shelters and resilient fuel infrastructure for USAF
SOURCES
- The War Zone · https://www.twz.com/news-features/hardened-shelters-critical-to-survival-of-usafs-tanker-fleet-studyHardened Shelters Critical To Survival Of USAF’s Tanker Fleet: Study