The United Kingdom has acquired a fleet of F-35A fighter jets with nuclear weapon carriage capability, representing a significant advancement in defence posture. However, a critical operational challenge has emerged regarding these specific aircraft. It has been discovered that the newly acquired F-35As are incompatible with the current air-to-air refueling systems used by the Royal Air Force’s Voyager tankers. This refueling incompatibility poses a substantial hurdle, as it prevents these jets from undertaking crucial long-range missions requiring mid-air replenishment from standard RAF assets. The issue necessitates urgent attention to ensure these advanced aircraft can operate effectively and integrate seamlessly into the UK’s defence strategy, potentially requiring modifications to either the aircraft or the existing tanker fleet to overcome this significant logistical oversight. Solving this technical problem is paramount for maximising the F-35A’s potential within the RAF.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/06/26/uk_f_35a_refuel_hitch/
