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>>BTW, if some of those leased planes were shot down or accidentally crashed, who would be stuck with the tab? <<

Best guess would be the USAF.

Tankers don't have a history of driving intentionally into hostile airspace, as they almost always are well behind and safely protected. However, as air supremacy is achieved they move out and sometimes fly over bad guy territory. But, by flying the tankers over hostile territory or by flying them in a war zone, it is clear the USAF would be liable.

As far as crashing, if it can be proven to be a design flaw or some manufacturing failure, then Boeing would be liable, as is the usual case in these matters. However, if it were a "crime" (a willful violation of flight regs or flight limitations) that caused the mishap, then the USAF would be liable.

Using history as a guide, and most recent history as a highlighter, we can see that the risk of losing a tanker due to hostile fire or a crash is minimal.