The first flight of a new state-of-the-art training aircraft took off from RAF Valley last week.

The Texan T1 aircraft forms part of a £1.2 billion investment into fixed-wing aircraft training programme designed to train and prepare junior pilots for the frontline.

It will replace the Tucano in the fast jet training programme.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: "It’s crucial that our fighter pilots of the future train on the very best equipment before reaching the front line to protect UK airspace at home and defend our interests abroad.

"The introduction of the Texan T1 into one of NATO’s most advanced Fighter Pilot training programmes demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to investing in world-leading technology to maintain a military advantage over our adversaries."

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The T1 represents a technological step-change from its predecessor, with the ability to simulate missions in both 4th and 5th generation aircraft such as the F35 Lightning and Typhoon fast jets.

Wing Commander Chris Ball, Officer Commanding the Texan Integration Squadron at RAF Valley explains: "Under the Military Flying Training System, fighter pilots will train on world-leading aircraft.

"They start on the Prefect, move on to the Texan and finish on the Hawk T2, making the training process more efficient and far more representative of the aircraft types they will eventually fly."

Photographer - Cpl Peter Devine / RAF. Image of the Texan T1 aircraft, due to replace the Tucano in the fast jet training programme, made history with its first flight at RAF Valley yesterday (21/02/2019).

Wing Commander Chris Ball added: "The Texan is the ideal lead-in trainer to the Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer that they will fly here at Valley."

Last week more history was made at RAF Valley when iconic warplane the RAF Tornado embarked on its final journey, taking off from the Anglesey airbase.

The Tornado's farewell journey conducted a flypast past several of the country's RAF bases, which have had significance to the aircraft.

The aircraft had played a role in the Gulf War .