UK to develop flying boom aerial refueling for the RAF

The United Kingdom will develop a sovereign flying boom aerial refueling capability for the Royal Air Force (RAF). This new system will complement the existing probe-and-drogue method currently used by the RAF.

Minister of State for Defence Preparedness and Industry Luke Pollard confirmed the government has approved the development of this capability. The move aims to improve interoperability with NATO allies and partners, as many current and future RAF aircraft—including the P-8 Poseidon MRA1, RC-135 Rivet Joint, C-17A Globemaster III, and the upcoming F-35A Lightning II—require boom refueling.

The decision is also linked to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which is designing a sixth-generation fighter that includes a boom refueling receptacle. Due to the size of such aircraft, a boom system may be necessary to provide a sufficient fuel flow rate. The Ministry of Defence has not yet specified whether this capability will be achieved by modernizing the existing Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager fleet or by acquiring new tanker aircraft.