IAF ‘Top Guns’ to train UK’s Royal Air Force

In a unique collaboration, two senior Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots will serve as instructors for the Royal Air Force (RAF) at a training school in Anglesey, on the northwest coast of Wales.

The pilots, both Hawk-qualified flying trainers, have been posted to RAF Valley’s No. 4 Flying Training School, where the UK’s next generation of fighter pilots undergo training on the BAE Hawk TMk2 aircraft—the same jet used by the IAF for advanced pilot instruction.

While their salaries will be provided by India, the UK will cover their accommodation. The IAF instructors are expected to be based in the UK for up to three years.

A TOI report quoted a senior RAF source as saying, “The start date remains to be confirmed; however it will not be before October 2026. UK familiarisation and training may take up to a year or less, depending on experience.”

The Royal Air Force’s decision to bring in Indian instructors comes amid an increasing reliance on international partners to address a shortage of qualified trainers. Under the arrangement, at least two Indian Air Force (IAF) aviators will be stationed at RAF Valley for over three years. Before assuming their instructional duties, the Indian pilots will complete a year-long training programme on British Hawk T2 jets to familiarise themselves with the aircraft and local training systems.