The RAF built airfields in Malaya for aircraft expected to arrive later. Until then, it wanted the Army to defend the empty sites because the enemy could use them. That requirement prompted the objection that constructing the bases had created an additional liability before the aircraft were available. An infrastructure plan could impose immediate defense commitments while its intended fighting strength remained in the future.
Notable Point · 1:08:38-1:10:59
Why Malaya had airfields without aircraft
Malayan airfields required protection before the aircraft intended to use them were available.