Originally Posted by
LowObservable
So am I going to send a KC-46 out after every P-8A, on spec?
Actually why not?
In the days of old the Russians decided on a maxi push sending pair through the GIUK and return via the Denmark Strait. I think it was 4 pairs at 30 minute intervals. This sucked all the NATO QRA from Norway, UK and Iceland, as they tracked each pair through the AOA.
As well as sucking up the interceptor force (we had a force) it also sucked up several tankers too. There was a T* jet RTB from Cyprus with pax but he had a useful giveaway and joined the game topping up the 10s.
I can't remember the actual NATO assets commited but it was between 30-40.
Now a P8 might be on task and need to extend either because he is engaged or because a relief is going to be late. If there are sufficient tankers it may be possible that one could be diverted to assist.