IAF to train UK’s Royal Air Force pilots, posts three instructors under new pact

In a significant step in military cooperation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy instructors to train pilots of the Royal Air Force (RAF) under a formal agreement finalized during the 19th UK India Air Staff Talks held in New Delhi on Thursday.

Under the arrangement, the IAF will send three Qualified Flight Instructors to RAF Valley in north western Wales, the RAF’s primary base for advanced fast jet training. The instructors will be integrated into the British training system for an initial two year tenure , where they will conduct flying instruction for RAF trainees.

Officials said this will be the first time Indian instructors are embedded within the UK’s fast jet training establishment . The deployment is governed by a formal Letter of Agreement that clearly defines the instructors’ roles, duration, and access, with sensitive and classified operational systems kept outside the scope of the programme.

Defence sources clarified that the arrangement should not be seen as Britain seeking outside help due to any capability gap. Instead, it is aimed at augmenting instructor strength and expanding training capacity at RAF Valley, which handles multiple batches of fighter trainees every year. Embedding experienced foreign instructors allows the RAF to increase throughput while maintaining standards.

The IAF’s instructors are regarded for high flying hours and experience across varied operational environments, including mountains, deserts, and coastal airspace. Officials said the focus will remain on professional flying skills, safety procedures, and standard combat training practices , rather than national tactics or classified doctrines.The development follows an earlier posting this year of an Indian officer as an instructor at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, which trains future RAF officers.

India has traditionally trained foreign pilots at its own academies. This deployment marks a different format, where Indian instructors will operate within a partner country’s infrastructure. Officials said such arrangements are common among friendly air forces and are intended to strengthen cooperation and professional exchange.