The HCSAF have earmarked 40 of the nearly 100 C-440s currently on order as the KC-440 tanker variant. The HCSAF's tanker fleet tends to be on the older end of the C-440 fleet and modified doctrine indicates the need for extra tanker provision. The tanker version of the light transport the KC-426 has also been confirmed to refuel COIN aircraft.
The HCSAF are also going to work on a buddy system for the ER-72ACR radio relay fleet. These aircraft would maintain the HCS' communications network in the event of an invasion and/or heavy bombardment of Cloneworld and other key planets but existing tanker assets like the KC-440 are considered high risk at being destroyed because of their size and the fact they need larger airbases whereas a buddy tanker equipped ER-72ACR can use a more easily hidden secondary airfield.
