UK official: Afghan crash preventable Oct 29, 2009
"Ceasing the use of the air-to-air refueling system, as well as the aircraft's relevant hot air systems while the aircraft is in flight.". "An enhanced aircraft maintenance and systems inspection regime.". (CNN -- World)
US, Kyrgyzstan reach deal on use of critical air base Jun 24, 2009
Besides its function for troops and armor transit, the Manas base is used to refuel tanker planes that administer air-to-air refueling of allied jets circling Afghan skies - and is also a key medical evacuation point. US forces have had access to Manas, outside Bishkek, since 2001. (Boston Globe)
Refuelers Keep Air Force Soaring May 8, 2009
However, without the KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron providing air-to-air refueling, most of them, both joint and coalition, would not be able to meet their requirements ... He said more than half of the fuel provided by air-to-air refueling is pumped by the Airmen of the 340th EARS.. (DOD DefenseLINK)
Cautiously, Japanese military extends its reach Mar 24, 2009
The military has not acquired an aircraft carrier or some air-to-air refueling capabilities needed for long-range strikes, which are considered too aggressive to meet the constitutional defense-only rules. Japan's military spending has remained flat for years. (International Herald Tribune)
Japanese military assumes more global role Mar 23, 2009
Constitutional restrictions have barred the military from acquiring an aircraft carrier or some air-to-air refueling capabilities needed for long-range strikes, which are crucial for the projection of force but are considered too aggressive to meet the constitutional defense-only rules. Unlike China's double-digit defense spending growth, Japan's has remained flat for years. (MSNBC -- International)
