Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on participation in the NATO pooled assets programmes, with reference to the multi-role tanker transport fleet; and if he will make a statement.

The Multi-role Tanker Transport Fleet nests within the joint European/NATO acquisition programme initiated by the European Defence Agency. The UK is not a participant in the programme and we do not currently have an intention to participate. The Royal Air Force operates its own Multi-Role Transport Aircraft with Air to Air Refuelling capability in its 9 Voyager K2/K3 aircraft. These national assets form part of our national commitment to meeting the capability targets apportioned by NATO to the UK.