The Minister for Defence Procurement has visited RAF Valley to see the results of investment into fighter jet training.
As part of a wider visit to North Wales, Mr James Cartlidge made visited the flying training station on Anglesey, responsible for training the next generation of world-class fighter pilots, to see how recent investment is impacting on their training.
“Everything I witnessed at RAF Valley underscored its and the wider RAF’s commitment to delivering first class fighter pilots for the front-line.
Recent £175 million investment in a new Texan training facility as well as the £600 million boost for Hawk engineering support, will strengthen this endeavour even further, supporting Anglesey’s economic prospects and delivering opportunities ranging from engineering apprenticeships to fast jet and rotary aircrew.”
James Cartlidge
Minister for Defence Procurement
The Minister had a chance to speak to some of the trainee pilots undergoing Basic Flying Training on the Texan aircraft of 72 Squadron and also met local apprentices who are being trained by Babcock.
RAF and Royal Navy trainees come to RAF Valley having completed Elementary Flying Training and being streamed to fast jet. Their training continues on the Texan T1, a tandem-seat turboprop aircraft, before moving to the jet-powered Hawk T2 to prepare the pilots for conversion to either the Typhoon FGR4 or F-35 Lightning.
