The UK Armed Forces Pay Review Body has approved financial incentives for military aircrew to remain in the armed forces of up to £80,000 ($113,000). Five years before retirement, pilots, navigators, Royal Navy observers, officer rearcrew and selected non-commissioned officer pilots would receive £30,000. The first three posts would be awarded £50,000 at retirement date, if they remain in service; the others £30,000. Aircrew shortages have resulted in the disbanding of the Royal Air Force's 5 Sqn, which operates Panavia Tornado F3s in the air defence role. Aircraft and crews will be spread among the RAF's four other Tornado air-defence squadrons at RAF Leuchars in Scotland and RAF Leeming in Yorkshire.
Source: Flight International