- 145 recruits began Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton on 13 April 2026, the largest intake in decades
- This expansion reflects the government's commitment to national security as a foundation for its Plan for Change
RAF recruits are now training in numbers not seen for decades, as Pearson Intake, 145 strong, began the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton on 13 April 2026.
This intake marks a deliberate policy decision to surge the RAF's base rank by 5%, reversing a sharp workforce decline accelerated by reduced recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing the trained strength of the Regular RAF is the service's main effort.
The ten-week BRTC prepares recruits for life in the RAF, covering military skills, Force Protection training assessed to defined standards, adventurous training at the Robson Resilience Centre in Crickhowell, and rigorous physical conditioning throughout.
Reaching an intake of 145 required significant effort across the Aviator Training Academy, RAF Halton, 22 Group, and Air Command Headquarters, rebuilding capacity that had fallen to routine graduating cohorts of 40 to 50 recruits.
A stronger, fully staffed RAF directly supports the government's "Plan for Change" commitment to national security as a strong foundation for national renewal.
