The UK’s newly announced fleet of nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets cannot currently be refuelled by the Royal Air Force, prompting questions about the operational independence of Britain’s future air-delivered nuclear deterrent.
In a Commons exchange following the government’s confirmation that the UK will participate in NATO’s Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear mission, concerns were raised over the readiness and self-sufficiency of the programme.
Shadow Defence Secretary and former Armed Forces Minister James Cartlidge welcomed the decision to acquire the aircraft “in principle” but pressed ministers for clarity on several key operational details, including timelines, procurement plans, and refuelling capabilities.
“What is the anticipated in-service date for the F-35As?” Cartlidge asked. “Will they be in service or merely delivered? Will the government still order the remaining F-35Bs as planned? And how will they be refuelled, given current operational sovereignty issues?”
Refuelling Gap
The most pressing concern centres around air-to-air refuelling. The RAF’s existing Voyager tanker fleet employs the probe-and-drogue refuelling system, which is compatible with the UK’s current F-35B aircraft and Typhoon fighters. However, the F-35A variant, selected for NATO’s DCA role, requires a boom-type system, which the RAF does not operate.
When asked about this capability gap, Defence Minister Maria Eagle acknowledged that the UK does not possess the necessary refuelling infrastructure.
“This is a NATO mission,” she told MPs. “NATO, of course, will be able to do the air-to-air refuelling.”
The admission has prompted renewed scrutiny of the UK’s ability to independently operate its air-delivered nuclear assets without reliance on allied support.
Dual Role: Training and Deterrence
The RAF has since clarified that the F-35As will not immediately be deployed as frontline strike aircraft. Instead, they will be used primarily in a training role by 207 Squadron, the service’s Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).
The F-35A’s extended fuel capacity and lower maintenance demands compared to the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B variant make it particularly well-suited for training missions, the RAF said. These attributes are expected to improve pilot throughput and reduce time to frontline readiness.
“Day-to-day, the F-35As will be used in a training role on 207 Squadron,” the RAF confirmed. “These factors combined will improve pilot training and reduce the amount of time for pilots to reach the front-line squadrons.”
Despite this training emphasis, the aircraft are being purchased as part of Britain’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangements, raising questions about whether they should be considered part of an operational strike force or a support platform.
Concerns Over Sovereignty and Industrial Base
Mr Cartlidge also pointed to broader implications for UK defence sovereignty and industrial policy. He suggested that alternative systems, such as the Storm Shadow cruise missile integrated on the Typhoon, could provide greater domestic value and sovereign control.
“Doesn’t this show why we need a robust plan to get to 3% of GDP on defence in this Parliament,” he said, “rather than Labour’s smoke and mirrors?”
Defence Minister Maria Eagle confirmed that the government would proceed with plans to order the next batch of 15 F-35Bs, which are compatible with UK refuelling systems, alongside the 12 newly announced F-35As.
Alliance Integration vs Independent Capability
While ministers emphasised the value of interoperability and alliance integration within NATO, defence analysts and opposition MPs are likely to continue pressing the government on whether the UK is gradually eroding its ability to act autonomously in the nuclear domain.
As Britain deepens its role in NATO’s nuclear framework, the question remains whether the nation is investing in truly sovereign capabilities, or relying too heavily on multinational assumptions to fill emerging gaps.
