In Historic First, Indian Air Force Instructors to Train RAF Fighter Pilots in the UK from 2026

By defence.capital on October 18, 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

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By A Correspondent

New Delhi: In a symbolic reversal of colonial history, two senior Indian Air Force (IAF) instructors will soon begin training Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots in the United Kingdom, marking a first-of-its-kind military aviation collaboration between the two nations.

According to media reports, the two Hawk-qualified IAF instructors will be stationed at No. 4 Flying Training School (FTS) at RAF Valley, located on the island of Anglesey off the northwest coast of Wales.

The posting, expected to commence after October 2026, will last up to three years. The officers will train RAF aircrew completing advanced flying courses on the BAE Hawk T Mk2 jet trainer, the same aircraft used by the IAF for advanced pilot training in India.

File Photo: Hawk-i, a BAE Systems advanced jet trainer aircraft, built at India’s HAL. Credit: HAL

A senior RAF source confirmed that the familiarisation and transition process for the Indian officers may take up to a year, depending on prior experience. While their salaries will be paid by India, the UK Ministry of Defence will provide accommodation and local support.

RAF Valley, often described as the crucible for Britain’s next generation of fighter pilots, prepares aircrew for frontline aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II. Integrating IAF instructors into this elite programme reflects the growing defence synergy between New Delhi and London.

The move follows the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Mumbai, where the two leaders also concluded a £350 million defence deal for the supply of UK-made lightweight multirole missiles to the Indian Army.

“The inclusion of Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from the IAF into the RAF training system provides strong defence engagement benefits,” an RAF official stated.

“It enhances interoperability, builds mutual trust, and facilitates the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures between two professional air forces.”

The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft currently ranks the IAF as the world’s third-strongest air force, after the US and Russia, while the UK stands at eighth, underscoring the significance of this strategic collaboration.

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