The Chinese have not only mastered the art of aerial refueling (DR, 9/19/05), they are now buying eight Russian Il-78M tankers, as well as 30 IL-76 heavy transport aircraft. With the Il-78, Chinese fighters can reach Andersen AFB, Guam, according to the International Assessment and Strategy Center.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
