Episode #108 – The Tanker World’s in Trouble: ARSAG, Anaconda, and Global Tensions on the Nation’s DIME.

🎙️ EPISODE #108 – The Tanker World’s in Trouble: ARSAG, Anaconda, and Global Tensions on the Nation’s DIME

Strap in and listen up, warriors. Welcome to Episode 108 of the Lessons from the Cockpit Show. I’m Lt Col Mark Hasara, USAF (Ret.)—KC-135 pilot, Weapons School grad, Joint Specialty Officer, and your host for this mission.

I just got back from Air Refueling Systems Advisory Group or ARSAG 2025 at Planet Hollywood in Vegas—a gathering of the best and sharpest minds in global air refueling planning and operations. Senior leaders from the USAF, Royal Air Force, and RAAF, and European Military Refueling groups along with top-tier industry reps, all showed up. Thanks Air Commodore Brad Clarke from the RAAF for spending time with me and discussing what's going on in your very "busy" neighborhood!

Here’s the bottom line: The state of air refueling today? Not good.

We’re flying too few tankers with aging tech in a world that’s moving fast toward major conflict. And my largest concern is our international partners have not been cleared to refuel all aircraft in our USAF inventory. Limited resources dictate creating a collaborative system and we are still fighting the government bureaucratic inertia where interoperability and working with coalition partners is concerned.

Retired General Mike Minihan, former AMC Commander wrote an outstanding article in Defense One on the tanker gap we have now. This is a MUST READ article by the Flag Officer who knows the real story. https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025...

New ball cap in my collection! Embraer's CEO Bosco de Costa had their new KC-390 on the ramp at Harry Reid International and of course I had to go see for myself. Congratulations Embraer for creating a magnificent mobility aircraft.

Such a cool jet!

I briefed Operation Anaconda and Shock and Awe, but we also heard updates on the future of KC-135, KC-46, and what’s left of our tanker enterprise.

Wait! There's more... With the world heating up, I’m bringing back something I used to teach at the Joint Forces Staff College—a global intel wrap-up I call “On the Nation’s DIME.” Each letter stands for a line of effort: Diplomatic Informational Military Economic In this episode, I break down major flashpoints and what they mean for warfighters, planners, and leaders—from Ukraine to the South China Sea. So grab a cold one, get comfortable, and let’s dig in.

Because the fight is coming. And it’s going to need a LOT of gas.

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