Royal Air Force pilot training troubles not going away
A substantial burden placed on the RAF is the UK’s commitment to training fast jet pilots from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The issue around the Royal Air Force’s fast jet pilot training is multifaceted with no quick fixes at hand. What is the UK not getting right?
A little more than a week ago, Sky News reported that it had seen documents proving the RAF’s flying training is still in a quandary, despite senior leaders being aware of the issues.
Problems with the pilot training pipeline can be traced back to 2011 when the RAF axed around a third of its trainee pilots and froze recruitments amid a £300 million defence spending cut. Reductions in spending also meant fewer assets and airframes across the force.
Around the same time, the delivery of F-35s began to the UK and in 2015 the RAF decided to reinstate many of the previously cancelled capabilities.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Training
-
![Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army]()
Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army
The company’s mortar trainer received improvements based on soldier’s feedback.
-
![Saab expands footprint in the US]()
Saab expands footprint in the US
The company will operate in two new locations in the coming years to better support US services.
-
![How terrain management capabilities can improve military training]()
How terrain management capabilities can improve military training
This type of tool provides more realistic training easing the incorporation of new scenarios that accurately represent the threats of the battlefield.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training
The Engineering Corps has been conducting individual instruction using FLAIM Systems’ Sweeper and should start collective deployments in 2025.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation
The next-generation platform is motion-compatible and can be used in OTW and NVG applications.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability
The system can be used to prepare soldiers for both drone offensive operations and CUAS missions.
