The modern contested-resupply problem

A modern force trying to resupply an isolated position could use drones, dummy movements, and electronic warfare to distract its opponent. Wartime chaff operations provide an earlier example of creating misleading threats. The proposed scenario requires so much cargo that airlift alone cannot meet the demand. Even attempting it could expose two-thirds to 90 percent of the available airlift capacity on a route where loaded transport aircraft would be difficult to conceal and defend. Merchant shipping can hide beyond the horizon, while the importance of transport aircraft to other operations gives commanders a reason to protect them.