RAF pilots to be trained by Indian 'Top Guns' as aviation experts slam decision to hire foreign instructors

Aviation experts in recent years have criticised the RAF for enlisting international instructors.

One former RAF officer said: "The Indians are very good and I am certain they will make a valuable contribution towards our flying training, but … it’s ironic that we trained the world to fly, but we can’t even train our own these days."

The deal will result in at least two Indian aviators being embedded within RAF Valley in north Wales for more than three years.

The IAF instructors will first have to undergo a year of their own training in RAF aircraft.

While they are already qualified flying instructors, they must learn to operate British jets.

They will then train RAF aircrew at No 4 Flying Training School in RAF Valley.

Their accommodation will be provided by the UK Ministry of Defence and their salaries will be paid by India.

Other examples of international training support include an instance in 2023 when the RAF sent pilots to be trained in Italy for flying lessons amid a shortage of home-grown trainers.

Last year, it was reported that the RAF sent pilots to America as there were not enough Hawk T2 aircraft, the RAF's training jet, available domestically.

The deal was announced by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai.

Prime Minister Modi said: "India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise combine to create a unique synergy.

"Our partnership is trustworthy, talent and technology-driven."

The deal is intended to deepen military ties between the two nations and is not being done to plug gaps in training timetables, according to a senior RAF source.

The pilot training deal follows a £350million deal where UK-manufactured missiles will be provided to the Indian army.

This week, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales conducted exercises with the Indian military.

Indian jet fighters targeted the aircraft carrier as their British counterparts defended it in an exercise combat scenario.

Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, said: "India, as the world’s largest democracy and an emerging economic superpower with one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is a top priority partner for the UK.

"The visit of the UK’s carrier strike group to India was testament to the strength of the relationship between our two countries, which has been revitalised by our two prime ministers in recent months."

The training deal comes several months after the IAF was engaged in the world’s largest air battle in decades.

India and Pakistan engaged in a one hour dogfight with about 110 aircraft involved, defence analysts estimate.

Pakistan said that six Indian aircraft, including three new French-made jets were downed, but the IAF disputes these claims.