A Historic Shift: IAF Instructors to Train RAF Pilots in UK

IAF Instructors to Train RAF Pilots: Two top trainers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will soon train Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots in the United Kingdom. These instructors will be posted to No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley, which is located on the island of Anglesey off the northwest coast of Wales. A senior RAF source told The Times of India, "The start date is not yet finalized, but it will not be before October 2026. United Kingdom familiarization and training could take a year or less, depending on experience."

The salaries of these Indian trainers will be paid by India, while accommodation will be arranged by the Defense Ministry of the United Kingdom. The school trains the United Kingdom's next generation of fighter pilots on the BAE Hawk TMk2, the ideal trainer for advanced aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35. Two Hawk-qualified Indian Flying Instructors (QFIs) will be based at Anglesey for three years.

Part of stronger defense ties: Modi-Starmer agreement

The plan is part of a new approach to building stronger ties with the IAF and supporting broader British military-political goals. An RAF source told The Times of India that the move will boost shared trust and advanced training systems between the two countries. The agreement was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai last week, when the defense deal worth £350 million was signed. Under this deal, light multi-purpose missiles manufactured in Britain will be supplied to the Indian Army.
According to the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft, India's air force is ranked third in the world, behind the US and Russia, while the United Kingdom is ranked eighth. “Incorporating QFIs into the UK training system offers many defense cooperation benefits to both countries,” the RAF source said.

Mutual benefit: exchange of techniques and strategies

"This leads to the exchange of knowledge between international trainers and trainees, sharing strategies, techniques, and procedures. This builds shared credibility and strengthens bilateral ties," the source added. The move will take military cooperation between India and Britain to new heights, especially after F-35B fighter jets recently flew over Kerala after a month-long stopover.

Future prospects: expansion of shared training

This initiative opens a new chapter in reverse colonial history, where Indian experts will now train British pilots. The move will strengthen interoperability between the air forces of the two countries, which is vital for regional security.