UK Minister for Defence Procurement views investment at RAF Valley
The Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge has visited RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey in North Wales, to see the results of investment into fighter jet training.
Image courtesy RAF
As part of a wider visit to North Wales, James Cartlidge made a stop at 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.
James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: “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.”
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.