'Shortage' of Typhoon pilots for operations in Libya: Interview with Thomas Harding 29.03.11
3A shortage of Typhoon fighter pilots for operations over Libya has forced the RAF to cancel training flights so instructors can go on front line missions, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph today. There are 18 RAF Typhoon pilots enforcing the no-fly zone from a base in southern Italy, but the squadron is due to rotate in a few weeks. The report says cuts to the defence budget mean there is a shortage of pilots trained to fly the new Typhoon, as well as fewer newly qualified pilots. A quarter of trainee places were cut as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy said: "There is a great concern in Parliament about the Government's cuts to RAF pilots. We would be very worried if government cuts were to impede future operations." The Ministry of Defence denies there is a shortage of pilots or any risk to operations in Libya. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Operations, Air Marshal Dick Garwood said: "As proven by recent events in Libya, the Typhoon and Tornado fleets have the agility and flexibility to project air power and adapt to the challenges of the day at short notice. "No trained front line pilots are being made redundant and we have enough aircraft and people to carry out all the operational tasks placed on us. "There is no shortage of pilots and we are able to cover the Falkland Islands, UK Air Defence, Afghanistan, training requirements and operations in Libya with sufficiently trained Typhoon and Tornado pilots."