RAF fighter pilot training situation is “unacceptable” for UK taxpayer, says industry official
Chief of the Air Staff air chief marshal Sir Richard Knighton said troubles with the Hawk T2 fleet and the training pipeline would persist for the next few years. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright/MoD)
While the head of the Royal Air Force admits the ongoing issues with the service's ability to train its fighter pilots, no concrete plans were put in place to resolve the problem. What steps could the RAF take to ensure the readiness of its pilot force for future challenges?
New reports on the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fighter pilot training programme have found that the UK has spent an additional £55 million (US$70.5 million) on overseas programmes due to low domestic jet trainer availability. When broken down, this amounts to about £2 million per pilot, in addition to the roughly £5.4 million already spent on teaching each pilot in the UK.
“This is a situation which for the UK taxpayer is pretty unacceptable,” Tristan Crawford, CEO and founder of Aeralis, told Shephard. “Clearly, the UK taxpayer is paying for the Military Flight Training System (MFTS), and now it’s
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![Australia announces programme developments on eve of land warfare conference]()
Australia announces programme developments on eve of land warfare conference
Australia’s Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition takes place in Melbourne this week with the government making announcements on land programmes and Supacat unveiling a new vehicle.
-
![US Army receives first RCV-Light platforms]()
US Army receives first RCV-Light platforms
The US Army will now start the testing phase of RCV bidders in the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
-
![US Air Force tests low-cost method to defeat surface vessels from the air]()
US Air Force tests low-cost method to defeat surface vessels from the air
The demonstration was conducted under the QUICKSINK programme in partnership with the US Navy.
-
![Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year]()
Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year
The first representative Eurofighter Typhoon flew in 1994 and entered operational service in 2003. Two decades later the company is working to ensure the platform’s relevance beyond the middle of the century.
-
![BAE to build more M109A7s as the search goes on to extend range]()
BAE to build more M109A7s as the search goes on to extend range
The M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) entered full rate production in 2020 and the most recent order brings the total contract value to almost US$3 billion.
-
![Elbit Systems looks to enhance automation for Israeli artillery systems]()
Elbit Systems looks to enhance automation for Israeli artillery systems
Automation efforts on the Roem and Sigma howitzers will maintain a ‘man in a loop’ configuration as the Israeli company focuses on the export market.
