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Military Aircraft: In-flight Refuelling

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 2 September 2026UIN 19561

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the demand for a solid boom refuelling capability in order to facilitate air-to-air refuelling of a) future F-35A, b) E7 Wedgetail, c) P8 Poseidon and d) RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Royal Air Force currently operates a probe and drogue air-to-air refuelling system and will complement this with the development of a boom system. This will ensure we have a sovereign air-to-air refuelling capability for the future Royal Air Force fleet that enhances interoperability with NATO Allies and partners.

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