After the loss of British carrier strike, aircraft attacking Libya had to cross Europe with aerial refuelling and fly home after delivering their weapons. That can serve a discrete strike mission, but continuous support for troops or air defence over a task group creates a different problem. Once an aircraft has expended its weapons, its distant base can be hours away. Replacement aircraft must already be en route if the force is to avoid a long gap in support.
Notable Point · 3:36-4:31
Libya and the limits of distant air support
Libya illustrates the difference between delivering a distant strike and sustaining aircraft over troops or a naval force.