In a major step for defence cooperation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will, for the first time, train pilots of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the United Kingdom.

The defence section of the British High Commission in India on Thursday described the move as a “major milestone” in bilateral relations, announcing that Indian Air Force instructors will soon begin training RAF pilots.

In a post on X, the Defence section mentioned, “A major milestone in UK-India defence cooperation. Indian Air Force instructors will train Royal Air Force pilots for the first time ever."

The decision comes after the 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks held in New Delhi, where both countries agreed to deepen military training cooperation, according to a press release issued by the British High Commission.

As per a British readout, “Under the latest agreement, the Indian Air Force will deploy three Qualified Flight Instructors (QFI) to Royal Air Force (RAF) Valley in the UK, the training base for British fast jet pilots."

“This marks the first time that Indian QFIs will impart fast jet training to British pilots at RAF Valley. The deployment will be initially for a period of two years," it said.

The instructors will be stationed at RAF Valley, the premier training establishment for British fast jet pilots, marking a new chapter in operational collaboration between the two air forces.