In February 1987 the UK and France ordered E-3 aircraft in a joint project which saw deliveries start in 1991.[39] The British requirement arose due to the cancellation of the BAE Nimrod AEW3 project. While France operates its E-3F aircraft independently of NATO, UK E-3Ds formed the E-3D Component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEWCF), receiving much of their tasking directly from NATO. However, RAF E-3Ds remain UK manned and capable of independent, national tasking.