Indian Air Force Instructors to Train RAF Pilots
The agreement, revealed during India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, expands joint defense cooperation beyond exercises and ship visits.
Starting October 2026, IAF instructors will begin training British cadets on BAE Hawk T2 jets at RAF Valley in North Wales — the core site of the RAF’s advanced fast-jet training.
Indian Pilots Join RAF Training
At least two IAF instructors will be stationed at RAF Valley for a three-year rotation, becoming the first Indian pilots to train British aircrew.
Before assuming their teaching roles, they will complete one year of conversion training on British aircraft to adapt to RAF flight procedures and systems.
Hawk T2: The Core Training Platform
The Hawk T2, a twin-seat advanced jet trainer, forms the backbone of the RAF’s pilot pipeline, capable of speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h and equipped with modern digital avionics.
It is used by No. 4 Flying Training School, which prepares cadets for frontline aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II.
Addressing RAF Pilot Shortages
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the program aims to mitigate instructor shortfalls after years of constrained training capacity.
In 2023, the RAF sent pilots to Italy and the U.S. for flight instruction due to a lack of available Hawk T2 aircraft. The new partnership with India is expected to help stabilize throughput.
Under the deal, India will fund instructors’ salaries, while the UK MoD provides housing and logistical support.