1 week ago

Indian Air Force Pilots Begin Training Britain’s RAF Instructors

Britain once trained India's air force. Why are IAF pilots now training RAF pilots? · livemint.com

Three Indian Air Force pilots are now helping train British military pilots.

They are working at RAF Valley in Wales.

The Indian pilots are qualified flying instructors.

They will teach young Royal Air Force pilots how to fly the BAE Hawk T2 training jet.

India also uses this aircraft to prepare its own fighter pilots.

The deployment is planned to last two years.

The arrangement is part of a wider effort by India and the United Kingdom to work more closely on defence.

It is also a historic change from the period when Britain trained India’s military during colonial rule.

Key facts

Indian instructors: Three Indian Air Force qualified flying instructors, led by a Squadron Leader-level officer.
Training location: RAF Valley in Wales, United Kingdom.
Aircraft: BAE Hawk T2 jet trainer.
Deployment length: Initially planned for two years.
Historical significance: The Indian Air Force is training Royal Air Force pilots for the first time.
Cooperation goal: Deeper military training, defence cooperation, professional excellence and interoperability.
Wider agreement: India and the United Kingdom agreed to expand military exchanges through exercises, training and capacity building.

livemint.com · 1 week ago