The UK government tonight has announced it will buy 12 F-35A
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-purchase-f-35as-and-join-nato-nuclear-mission-as-government-steps-up-national-security-and-delivers-defence-dividend
There was talk last week they would buy them for their nuclear load capabilities.
They won't be able to take them very far without tanker support.
Strange that with all the tech being poured into attack aircraft,nobody has yet built a stealth tanker.
Quote from: angry turnip on Jun 25, 2025, 13:09They won't be able to take them very far without tanker support.
Strange that with all the tech being poured into attack aircraft,nobody has yet built a stealth tanker.
Apparently the F-35A is designed to be refuelled using the boom system, as opposed the F-35B which can refuel using the drogue setup.
Guess which setup the RAF Voyagers use? :o
So, I guess they will have to use USAF KC-135s?
The RAF's Voyagers are only capable of probe-and-drogue refuelling, they are unable to refuel current or future RAF aircraft that are fitted solely for flying boom refuelling, including the Boeing RC-135, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Boeing 737 AEW&C and Boeing P-8 Poseidon.
In April 2016, the RAF stated its interest in fitting a boom to some Voyagers, bringing its fleet into line with other MRTT operators.
Fitting a boom would add flexibility to the RAF Voyagers, allowing refuelling of RAF aircraft not fitted for probe and drogue, and also by other air forces that operate boom-refuelled aircraft.
Note that these are instead of and not in addition to a portion of the next purchase of 35Bs.
The 'nuclear capability' extends to being able to deliver US weapons drawn from the pool assigned to NATO. They're PAL equipped and 100% dependent upon US permission for use.
I suspect cost cutting masked with bluster and a little inter-service rivalry, but then I'm a terrible cynic.