Air Force senior leaders regularly talk about global forward presence when it comes to deterrence strategy and an ability to project power in vital strategic areas. Such a concept, which continues to be refined and applied in key places such as the Pacific and Europe at the moment, takes on new urgency in light of both rapid Chinese military modernization and current Russian provocations.
KC-Y Bridge Tanker Program in Europe
Of course the Air Forces’ KC-Y bridge tanker program would seem fundamental to this kind of strategy, as it is designed to greatly empower, strengthen and enable this kind of protective posture. A “bridge” tanker such as Lockheed’s emerging LMXT, which could wind up becoming a long-term asset, might be particularly useful in places such as the Pacific where the vast, expansive ocean distances challenge any ability to operate land-launched air assets without substantial range extensions enabled by tankers.
However, what about Europe?
Given the current threat environment, it seems additional tanking might be able to greatly improve tactical possibilities for theater commanders looking at deterrence options. While Europe presents a much different geographical picture which does lend itself more readily to the possibility of land-launching air assets within range to hold Russia at risk, a “bridge” tanker could nonetheless be of great significance.
This would be true when it comes to dwell time over targets and an ability to respond to emerging targets as new intelligence arrives. Newer networking technologies built into fighter jets such as the F-35 and F-22 enable pilots to better receive new, real-time updated information in flight. Fighters could greatly expand any tactical impact should they be able to return to safer air space and refuel with a “bridge tanker” without having to land. Instead, stealth fighters could fly back into airspace less threatened by air defenses and then return for extended missions over hostile territory without absorbing the risk of landing and refueling on the ground.
