Affinity Flying Training Services, a 50-50 joint venture between Elbit Systems UK and KBR, was established in 2016. As a key partner of the UK Military Flying Training System (UK MFTS), the company currently provides comprehensive Elementary Flying Training, Basic Flying Training, and Multi-Engine Pilot Training using its fleet of Beechcraft Texan, Embraer Phenom, and Grob Prefect aircraft.
While Affinity celebrates its tenth anniversary with some success, the RAF’s advanced fighter pilot training is in crisis.
Ten years ago, operational fighter pilots underwent training in about three years, but now it takes up to eight years. This delay has been deemed “disastrous” by several RAF senior officers and independent observers. The situation has resulted from a chronic shortage of instructors, coupled with ongoing technical problems with the Hawk T2, which has left half the fleet grounded. Consequently, the RAF has had to outsource part of its training overseas at high cost, while also struggling to retain its front-line personnel.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence Luke Pollard stated that: “UK pilot training at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu air base in Sardinia commenced in July 2023.”
Six RAF pilots finished their training at the IFTS during the 2024–25 training year, with two more expected to complete their training in 2025–26 and three in 2026–27. RAF instructor pilots are also being trained at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. The UK Ministry of Defence has not revealed specific cost details for overseas training, as such arrangements are negotiated through government-to-government Memorandums of Understanding (MoU).
In what could be seen as a desperate move, the Indian Air Force will deploy three Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) to RAF Valley this year. This marks the first time that Indian QFIs will be training RAF fighter pilots in the UK. The deployment is initially planned for a period of two years.
The 2025 Strategic Defence Review recommended replacing the Hawk T2 with a more cost-effective fast-jet trainer. The current flying training arrangements for fast jets need to be urgently revised to optimise capacity, maximise contractor utilisation, and accommodate training for overseas students. However, no date has been set for the acquisition of a new jet trainer, and in the meantime, there appears to be no resolution to the RAF’s fighter pilot training crisis.
by David Oliver
