IAF Instructors to Train British Fast Jet Pilots

India–UK Defence Cooperation Expands with RAF Valley Deployment

India and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen bilateral defence engagement, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) set to deploy instructors for training Royal Air Force fast jet pilots. The decision emerged from the 19th UK–India Air Staff Talks held in New Delhi.

First-Ever Training Role at RAF Valley

Under the agreement, three Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from the IAF will be stationed at RAF Valley , the UK’s principal fast jet training establishment. The deployment, initially planned for two years, represents a historic milestone — marking the first instance of Indian instructors training British fighter pilots.

Expanding Instructor Presence

This development builds on earlier exchanges. In January 2026, an Indian officer was assigned as an instructor at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell . Indian military personnel are now serving instructional roles across all three premier British defence academies, reflecting deepening institutional trust.

Broader Defence Collaboration

India–UK defence cooperation has widened considerably. Recent years witnessed large-scale maritime exercises involving Carrier Strike Groups, bilateral Army drills, and growing participation in multilateral air exercises. The IAF’s involvement in Cobra Warrior and the RAF’s participation in Tarang Shakti illustrate increasing interoperability.

Strategic Significance

Air Staff Talks function as high-level annual consultations reviewing operational coordination, training exchanges, and future defence initiatives. The instructor deployment highlights mutual confidence and expanding professional military engagement.

Exam-Focused Points

• RAF Valley: UK’s fast jet training base

• QFI: Qualified Flying Instructor

• Air Staff Talks: Annual defence consultations

• Cobra Warrior: UK-hosted air exercise

• Tarang Shakti: India-hosted air exercise