Economically most optimal strategy is to place first base around Egypt and when first paycheck comes, build 2nd base in central america. Build three radars in each base to maximize detection range, they are way cheaper than new bases. This way only Australia, eastern half SU and most of indochina are in dark. Foxtrots are backbone your airforce, 2 per base is enough early and when landing ships appear build 3rd. Min 1 condor per base also required, 2 when alien fighters appear. 3rd base would be around philippines/taiwan but it's not economically important to build it early. Hardly even profitable if alien bases in the area are removed asap. Presence of bases are easy to spot from region funding level. If funding starts steadily to drain in 1k ticks, send your foxtrots to scan region and you find alien base there. I have been able to keep net funding ~1M level from the start on veteran, even I had just 2 bases until January. And top that 1M comes all sweet income from missions+airstrikes.