3.2 The Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 (2015 Review) increased the number of aircrew currently required by the Department, leading to a 29% (76) rise in the number required to complete Phase 2 training in 2018-19. At that time, the Department recognised it could buy more MFTS training if needed as part of the contract change process, but that this would incur a cost if the number increased beyond the capacity of existing equipment and infrastructure. Increasing training capacity takes time as: new aircraft must be bought, modified and certified; flight simulators designed, manufactured and tested; and new infrastructure built.
3.3 The Department has also committed to training aircrew from other countries to help build international relationships, generate income and support United Kingdom aircraft sales abroad. From 2019-20, it has committed to train between seven and 22 international pilots a year. However, it has not yet incorporated this requirement into the MFTS, reducing the number of UK pilots who can be trained.