Unraveling the Complex Logistics in Support of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) Operations in the Indo-Pacific

Logistics support of combat operations has always been a complex undertaking. But threats to US operating locations in the Indo-Pacific are expected to be substantial and could significantly degrade sortie generation capabilities. US equipment, personnel, and infrastructure are likely to face threats from ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and, increasingly in the future, attack unmanned aerial systems. Non-kinetic threats will add additional complexity to the battlefield. Moreover, airbases in the Indo-Pacific are widely dispersed requiring resupply over vast distances while still located within range of enemy attack under short timelines. Aircraft on the ground are particularly vulnerable during air base attacks, making forward basing less desirable because personnel and equipment are at higher risk of attack. Thus, operational resilience and aircraft survivability will be imperative so that air forces can deploy, operate, survive, and regenerate while under persistent, multidomain attack.