Air to Air
RAF air defence and other fixed wing operational aircraft are supported by a force of tanker aircraft.
An air-to-air refuelling capability is a major asset to any air force enabling aircraft to be deployed very quickly over large distances, to stay on patrol longer, and to fly further into enemy territory carrying larger weapon loads.
There are 14 Air to Air Refuelling Areas (AARA) around the UK, and are mostly found off shore. The tankers are based at RAF Brize Narton, with 216 Squadron flying the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and 101 Squadron flying the Vickers VC10.