The UK’s vertical transport and airlift capacity plays a vital role not only in combat operations at sea, on land and in the air, but also in supporting tri-service and multinational humanitarian and disaster relief operations

The C-17 (left), C-130J (centre), and A400M (right) form the backbone of the UK's fixed-wing military transport capability. But with the C-130J leaving service next year, how will the remainder fare?

The cavernous hold of the C-17 is able to transport aircraft across strategic distances, and is among the largest transport aircraft the UK has in its inventory

The CH-47 Chinook is the largest of the UK's rotary platforms and has been pressed into action on a regular basis to meet the country's operational requirements

Due to be retired in 2025, the Puma helicopter has seen extensive service with the UK military in a number of operational theatres
The impending loss of the HC2 Puma fleet will only see capacity recovered if and when the New Medium Helicopter programme comes to fruition towards the end of the decade

With a planned 25-strong fleet, the UK’s A400M will have to take up much of the load left by the departing C-130J platform

The BAe146 aircraft, although able to perform a number of roles, have mostly been used for VIP transport in recent years and will be replaced by commercially derived business jets

The A330 Voyager MRTT aircraft has both an air-to-air refuelling and transport role, and is the product of a multinational effort with European OEM Airbus

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the C-130 has been sold to militaries across the globe, including the UK, which has taken the decision to retire its 14 remaining J-series aircraft

Aerial refuelling Herky style.
Able to conduct air-to-air refuelling operations, the C-130J is a well-used and appreciated platform, particularly by Special Forces due to its ability to operate from unprepared landing strips