Built in the day when tankers were never expected to get within 1000nm of the enemy, so no more need for seats than any other transport aircraft.
Now, in the day of 150nm+ missiles and fighters in large A2/AD areas and dedicated anti-HVA fighters that may have to be reconsidered - hence the pause and reconsideration of what is wanted for the KC-Z competition.
Regardless this seems to be a non-enemy action, non-AAR accident, just an unfortunate mid-air due to a number of possible reasons (ACO design/GPS jamming/navigation?) so the discussion of which aircraft types need seats is moot.
Last edited by ORAC; 17th March 2026 at 08:06.