Palestine Action has claimed that RAF aircraft based at Brize Norton are involved in refuelling Israeli fighter jets, citing this as justification for their recent sabotage of two RAF Voyagers.
However, the technical basis of this claim is false. The Royal Air Force’s Voyager tankers are physically incompatible with Israeli Air Force aircraft.
The RAF operates the Voyager KC2 and KC3, which use the probe-and-drogue method of aerial refuelling. This system involves a flexible hose with a drogue basket that extends from the tanker. Receiving aircraft must be fitted with a refuelling probe that connects with the drogue to take on fuel. This method is standard across the UK and NATO for aircraft such as the Typhoon, F-35B, and other compatible platforms.
Israeli fighter aircraft, including the F-15 and F-16, use the flying boom method. This involves a rigid, steerable boom extending from the tanker aircraft, which connects to a receptacle on the receiving jet. Israel uses converted Boeing 707s and has recently begun operating KC-46 tankers, both of which are equipped with flying boom systems.
The two systems are not interchangeable. RAF Voyagers do not have booms and cannot be modified to carry them without extensive structural redesign. It is not a matter of operational secrecy or political alignment. It is a basic question of engineering. A Voyager cannot refuel an Israeli F-15 any more than a diesel pump can refuel a petrol engine.
A defence source familiar with RAF refuelling operations said: “There is no compatibility between British and Israeli refuelling systems. Even if there were political will, the equipment simply does not work together.”
The claim that British tankers are supporting Israeli missions from RAF Akrotiri or elsewhere is therefore not supported by either operational evidence or mechanical feasibility. In practice, RAF Voyagers are used to support UK operations in the Middle East, including Operation Shader against Islamic State, and to refuel British aircraft such as Typhoons on Quick Reaction Alert duty.
While Palestine Action may believe the aircraft are involved in Israeli military activity, their claims do not stand up to scrutiny. The RAF does not refuel Israeli aircraft.
I heard a defence commentator on Sky News say that Voyagers could act as a force multiplier for the Israelis if we were dragged in. I was livid.
1) Voyagers are not capable of refuelling IAF combat aircraft.
2) It implies if that if we were to enter we’d be an enabler for others rather than an independent actor on our own. Clearly the Voyagers would be needed to support the Typhoons on any operations.
3) It implies that our priority would be assisting Israel in its objectives, rather than protecting the UK’s own interests. There is obviously some overlap, but they are still different.
‘Defence commentator’ say no more🙄
Why no details of this sabotage?
Just made the same point…
Previous article Grshsm. We have all let off steam there.
It was one reason why the US was so keen for Britain to take part in the dreadful Iraq business, as they could refuel USN aircraft which use the same system. However, I was told that there were at least trials to adapt to the boom system which were successful. No voyagers then of course, so I don’t know if the same thing is possible. I didn’t see what damage had been done by ‘Palestine Action’ in the article.
I’m afraid the truth never actually matters to the offended, just their own dialogues.
As usual – abysmal security from MPG and further inditement of service cuts. We can’t even secure the FEW remaining bases! Goodness knows what would happen if aircraft are ‘dispersed’!