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Written question asked by James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


A400M Aircraft: In-flight Refuelling

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the use RAF A400M Atlas aircraft to provide air-to-air refuelling to Chinook H-47(ER) aircraft would require compensation payments to the Airtanker Consortium.

Answer

The Chinook H‑47(ER) is being procured with full air‑to‑air refuelling (AAR) receiver capability. On current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC‑130.

Concerning compensation payments to the AirTanker Consortium, whilst the AirTanker contract does not specifically exclude any type of receiver aircraft, it is restricted to AAR for Fixed Wing aircraft. Therefore, AAR for Rotary Wing aircraft is exempt from exclusivity claims.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
114701
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Chinook helicopters A400M aircraft AirTanker In-flight refuelling
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk