In Historic Reversal, Indian Air Force Instructors to Train UK’s RAF Fighter Pilots

LONDON: In a move that marks a significant and historic reversal of colonial-era dynamics, two elite flying instructors from the Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to train the next generation of fighter pilots for the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF).

The two IAF officers, both qualified flying instructors on the Hawk advanced jet trainer, will be based at No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales, for a period of up to three years. They will be responsible for training RAF aircrew officers on the BAE Hawk TMk2, the aircraft used to prepare pilots for frontline jets like the Typhoon and F-35.

A senior RAF source confirmed the plan to TOI, stating the start date will not be before October 2026, as the instructors will first undergo up to a year of UK familiarisation and training. Under the agreement, the instructors’ salaries will be paid by India, while the UK Ministry of Defence will provide accommodation.

The landmark agreement was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai last week. An RAF source described the initiative as a “new approach” to building a stronger, more trusting relationship with the IAF, supporting wider UK military and political goals.

“The knowledge exchange that occurs from the interaction with international trainers allows for the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures,” the RAF source said, highlighting the strategic benefits of enhancing interoperability between the two nations.

The move also underscores India’s growing aerospace prowess. The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft ranks the Indian Air Force as the third-strongest in the world, ahead of the UK, which is ranked eighth.