Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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.

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.