Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Indian Air Force Pilots Begin Training Britain’s RAF Instructors
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.
Three Indian Air Force qualified flying instructors have joined RAF Valley in Wales.
The instructors will train young Royal Air Force pilots on the BAE Hawk T2 aircraft.
Their initial deployment to the United Kingdom is planned to last two years.
The move follows a February agreement to expand India–UK military training engagements.
Both countries said the deployment will strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability and professional training.
- Who
- Three Indian Air Force qualified flying instructors and Royal Air Force trainee pilots.
- What
- Indian instructors are training Royal Air Force pilots on the BAE Hawk T2 aircraft.
- When
- The deployment began after a decision taken in February and is planned to last two years.
- Where
- RAF Valley in Wales, United Kingdom.
- Why
- To expand India–UK military training, strengthen defence cooperation and improve interoperability.
- 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.