In an unprecedented move, the Royal Air Force (RAF) will soon have Indian flying instructors training its pilots for the first time, Daily Express UK reported. This historic agreement, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mumbai with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks a significant shift in military collaboration between India and the UK.
Starting next year, Indian “Top Guns” will teach British cadets how to fly Hawk T2 fast jets at RAF Valley in North Wales, beginning in October. The deal is part of a broader effort to strengthen defence ties between the two nations, which have already seen joint military exercises and the UK-led Carrier Strike Group’s successful visit to India.
Aviation experts have voiced concerns, criticising the RAF for relying on foreign instructors, particularly after recent shortages in domestic training capacity.
One former RAF officer pointed out the irony of the situation: “The Indians are very good, and I’m sure they’ll make a valuable contribution to our training, but it’s ironic that we trained the world to fly, and now we can’t even train our own these days.”
The decision to bring in Indian instructors follows a growing trend in the RAF of seeking international assistance due to a shortage of qualified trainers. This move will see at least two Indian Air Force (IAF) aviators stationed at RAF Valley for more than three years. However, before they can start training RAF aircrew, the Indian instructors must first undergo a year of training on British jets to familiarize themselves with the Hawk T2.
While these instructors are already experienced pilots, they will be required to learn the specifics of operating British jets. Once trained, they will teach RAF aircrew at No 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley, a crucial component of the RAF’s pilot training program.
The UK Ministry of Defence will provide accommodation for the Indian instructors, while their salaries will be covered by the Indian government. This arrangement mirrors other instances in recent years where the RAF has had to send pilots abroad for training.
In 2023, for example, RAF pilots were sent to Italy to address a shortage of home-grown trainers. There were also reports last year that British pilots were sent to America due to a lack of available Hawk T2 aircraft for domestic training.
