Air refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility, and versatility of combat aircraft. The paper looks at the roots of air power doctrine, the need for range extension, and the growing importance of mobility to warfare. Air refueling mitigates air power's inherent weaknesses. Air refueling serves as a force multiplier. Air refueling aircraft are high value strategic assets.
Air refueling operations require local air superiority.
The number of tankers required depends on theater basing, tempo, and threat. Air refuelable tankers enhance air refueling efficiency.