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.
A recent seven-day exercise sent Air Force F-22s—along with other USAF aircraft—to austere, challenging environments across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Agile Reaper, taking place for the second time after its inaugural edition last year, featured 800 Airmen and 29 aircraft across five different locations from April 10-16, training…