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 and Singapore open expanded training area in Queensland]()
Australia and Singapore open expanded training area in Queensland
Australia and Singapore have expanded Queensland’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), adding advanced facilities and technologies to support larger, longer joint military exercises under their ongoing strategic partnership.
-
![Switzerland selects AGM 155mm artillery system]()
Switzerland selects AGM 155mm artillery system
The Swiss Army has selected the KNDS 155mm/52 Artillery Gun Module on the Piranha IV (10x10) to replace its aging M109 howitzers.
-
![British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four]()
British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four
Three of the bidding consortia have dropped out of the competition to become STP for the British Army Collective Training Service.
-
![Bureaucratic syndrome holds back India’s AEW&Cs]()
Bureaucratic syndrome holds back India’s AEW&Cs
If India is to remain competitive with its neighbouring powers, it still requires a definitive answer to its critical shortage of AEW&C systems.
-
![South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess]()
South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess
Shephard takes a deep dive into the latest developments in the South Korean defence sector as the country arms itself to deal with current and future threats.
