§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether CV(F) will carry air-to-air refuelling tanker aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [170351]
§ Mr. IngramThe primary aircraft operating from CVF will be the future Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA), a role which will be undertaken by the Short Take Off Vertical Landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. Should analysis prove it necessary, a refuelling capability could be provided by embarked JCA aircraft adapted for the task. There would be no requirement for the carrier to operate a different aircraft type for refuelling operations.