VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Air Force: Training

Asked by Graeme DownieLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 22 October 2025UIN 82158

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fast jet pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The number of Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The RAF actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of fast jet pilots expected to complete training and commence front-line Operational Conversion Units in the RAF in each of the next five years will not be released into the public domain as this information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.

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