IAF to train British fast jet pilots for the first time under new defence pact

India and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen their military training partnership following the conclusion of the 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Under the latest agreement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy three Qualified Flight Instructors (QFI) to Royal Air Force (RAF) Valley in the United Kingdom. RAF Valley serves as the training base for British fast jet pilots. This will mark the first time that Indian QFIs will provide fast jet training to British pilots at the facility. The deployment will initially be for a period of two years.

The move follows closely on the heels of the first-ever deployment in January this year of an Indian Air Force officer as an instructor at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. The college trains the next generation of RAF officers. With this, all three British military academies are now hosting Indian officers as instructors from the respective services.

The agreement reflects continued efforts by both sides to enhance military training engagements and strengthen defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.

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