Originally Posted by
DogTailRed2
If Ukraine has taught us anything it's that kit and personnel out in the open is vulnerable especially when the Ruskies are sending you targeting information.
Knock out the tankers and you reduce the USA's ability to provide air power. This will force more anti-air to be pulled from other areas to protect these bases.
This is a proxy war and China, Russia will do all they can to support Iran and weaken the West for the eventual push towards Europe and Taiwan.
Perhaps NATO can send them some old tyres to cover the aircraft in.